LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



gfpiji Qapgrgftify 

ShdfJZSi 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



(THEE FIIRST PROOFS.) 



The Queens 

BEING PASSAGES FROM THE LIVES OF 

ELIZABETH, QUEEN OF ENGLAND, 

AND 

MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTLAND. 



By ALDEMAH. 




TE r\ 



AFF 



Printed for the Brothers by w ^ ^ / u /"' 

F. J. SCHULTE & COMPANY, Publishers, 

Chicago, 1892. 



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Copyright, 1892. 

By Fkaxcis J. Schulte. 

All rights reserved. 



T " , P92-008544 



INTRODUCTION 



It may be stated as a general truth, that all intelligent con- 
ceptions of the human mind are based upon fact. Regarding 
thought as but the reflection of an impression received by the 
inner consciousness, though often imperfectly translated by the 
external perceptive faculties, we may state that whatever is 
impressed upon the mind, or inner consciousness, with sufficient 
vividness to enable the mind to express the conception in intel- 
ligent thought, may be understood. It is a maxim of civil law 
that " ignorance does not excuse." Applying this wise axiom 
to the domain of human intelligence, are we justified in abso- 
lutely denying, as erroneous or false, a conception of the mind 
which we do not fully comprehend, or accepting, without careful 
analysis, a reflection that may be but imperfectly translated by 
the external faculties ? 

To arrive at a positive and reliable understanding of a mental 
conception we must supplant the testimony of the external evi- 
dences by an appeal to the inner consciousness. Reason, which 
formulates conclusions based upon the evidence of the senses 
alone, cannot be relied upon to positively answer the questionings 
of the soul. It is only when the soul of man divests itself of the 
bewildering evidences received by the external senses, and com- 
munes with the intuitive conception, which alone has access to 
the fountain of all truth, that he is able to intelligently compre- 
hend and understand his own being and his relation to God and 
his fellow sojourners. 

That there are many occurrences which baffle the keenest 
observation, and escape the sharpest attempts at analysis, may 
be admitted. This admission necessarily implies that the ex- 
planation has escaped simply because of ignorance. Remem- 
bering the maxim of law, are we satisfied that perpetual ignor- 
ance is the heritage of man? We leave the arguing of this 
question to those who contend that ignorance may excuse, and 



6 INTRODUCTION. 

who are willing thereby to remain groping in the fog of bigotry, 
and astray within the swamps of superstition. 

To those who wait reverently for more light, and who accept 
gladly and thankfully every grain of truth, every step of 
advancement, every proffered help that may be offered with the 
honest intention of increasing the store of human knowledge, 
and advancing all to a higher plane of intellectual liberty, and 
especially to a greater spiritual freedom; to these, — and they are 
brave souls who have come up from out the valleys of doubt, and 
stand now on the highest peaks of trusting expectancy, with 
their faces turned to the light, their minds free from the bondage 
of superstition, and from the chains of creed, — to these inquiring 
ones, to these earnest searchers for light, we offer the following 
work. 

It is commonly held, although rarely expressed in writing, that 
the one cardinal deficiency in the world's accepted religions is 
the absence of a demonstrable proof of the existence of the 
human soul after it has passed through the portals of what we 
call death. Immortality is generally accepted more as a hope 
than a certainty. Within every thinking soul is the earnest hope 
that immortality is true. This hope is the corner-stone upon which 
rests every form of religious belief, and yet the world has 
accepted the thought, as has been stated, solely and entirely 
because immortality is so desirable, and because it is the one 
thing for which the soul hungers and thirsts. There was a time 
in the history of the human race when this belief in immortality 
was universally accepted, because the then purity of the mind 
gave it access to the source of knowledge, and this knowledge 
had among its cardinal principles the truth of immortality. 

Through strange perverseness and willful blindness the world 
drew away from its knowledge, until that which had been actual 
at last became but ahope. But the truth was not wholly lost. A 
few souls remained faithful ; a few souls closed not their eyes to 
the light; a few souls forgot not that purity, that innocence, that 
simplicity that is the endowment of perfect understanding. 
They preserved the truth, and the knowledge of it gave them 
understanding. Now, after long years of lamenting over the 
world's aimless wanderings — after watching with sorrow the 



INTRODUCTION. 7 

useless beating of the air of those who vainly struggle for light, 
but still turn their faces to darkness — we, who possess the 
knowledge, who retain the proof absolute of immortality, have, 
from observation of the signs and careful study of the heart- 
throbs of hoping humanity, judged that the time is ripe for the 
attempt to give again to the world its old knowledge of the truth 
for which it hopes and longs. 

In this age of material advancement and spiritual activity, 
many wonderful occurrences are startling the attentive world. 
And while, to the outer senses, mankind at large seems to be 
given wholly to material advancement, and the preferment of 
physical attainments, there is evident to the careful observer a 
quiet, deep, steady undertow of searching, penetrating, inquiring 
spiritual thought. And while materialists may not know it, and 
in their busy strife and labored anxiety they may not realize it, 
still this resistless undertow of deep spiritual thought is gradu- 
ally, but absolutely, drifting the whole world out into the bound- 
less ocean of spiritual truth. Having waited for years for this 
opportune hour, we gladly take advantage of the general drift 
toward higher spiritual thought to so show our light that it may 
throw its beams far out onto the troubled waters of the world, 
so that the honest, earnest, trusting mariners of thought may 
guide their ships in from the sea of doubt to the harbor of cer- 
tainty. 

Generally stated, then, the object of this work is to offer the 
first of a series of proofs that shall satisfy inquiring minds of 
the truth of immortality. When this statement is first read it 
may appear startling, and require deep thought to determine 
the connection between the presentation of a work of this char- 
acter and the proposed establishment of the truth of immortality. 
The inquiry here awakened is natural, and to answer it will the 
better assist us in unfolding this our introduction. 

To establish a proposition it is necessary that some known 
and recognized fact should be used as a basis upon which the 
whole fabric may be built. 

So, in order to establish the truth of immortality, it is neces- 
sary to select some object the existence of which is beyond con- 
troversy. This leads us to the threshold of our statement. 



8 INTRODUCTION, 

That such, a person as William Shakspeare was born and 
wrote most marvelously, and that the years of his life were 
among the most fruitful in intellectual advancement of those of 
any age, needs no proof; a simple reference to the fact is all 
that is necessary. The genius of Shakspeare has challenged, 
and will continue to challenge, the admiration of the world for 
ages. The grandeur of his thought, the breadth and depth of 
his iuspiration have rarely been equaled and never surpassed. 
In all ages of the world's history an intellectual giant, he 
stands clear, distinct, and needing but the reference to his name 
to recall his sublime and immortal works. 

The acknowledged grandeur and the universally conceded 
beauty and sweetness of this man's intellect would most nat- 
urally mark him as being the one most likely to be first selected, 
were it within the power of the world's united effort to recall 
into renewed activity that which, in the past, has been such a 
source of intellectual gratification, the reflection of which, in 
the present, brings such enjoyment. It was for this purpose 
that we selected this author, this universally known and uni- 
versally accepted genius. And here we may retrace our thought 
a moment, in order that we may note the fact that the surest 
and safest method of reaching the thinking world is by direct- 
ing its attention into paths the traveling of which has hitherto 
afforded unalloyed satisfaction. 

The grandeur and beauty of the productions of this poet need 
no applause from us. Their admitted excellence and universally 
accepted worth may not be contemplated without the heartfelt 
desire that the world may again be blessed by a similar mind. 

This admitted excellence necessarily implies the general wish 
for its continuance. That which has such wide and deep 
inlluence for good must bo a necessity. Admitting this, it is 
most desirable that an influence so beneficent, so far-reaching in 
its good effects, should continue; and the natural conclusion in 
the minds of those who accept the recurrence of good as the 
result of law, is, that whatever has benefitted and worked good 
to the world, cannot be lost. And thus wo are led to our first 
positive statement. 

The mind of William Shakspearo, once having been called 



INTRODUCTION. 9 

into existence, can never be extinguished, for the procession 
and progression of mind is endless. Once having, by Divine 
law, received its individual identity, it may not surrender that 
identity, but, ever passing on and on, through countless stages 
of existence, it must retain its individuality unimpaired through 
each successive stage. 

We, recognizing this fact, hereby seek to establish the general 
acceptance of the continued existence of the soul as a funda- 
mental truth ; for this is the true idea of the immortality of the 
soul and mind of man. 

There are many noted minds that have labored to enrich the 
archives of the world's knowledge, but we have chosen that of 
Shakspeare, because of the breadth and depth of his intellect, 
which affords the most congenial field for the elucidation of the 
truth we seek to present. 

We have waited with untiring patience for this intellect to 
come again within the range of our influence, that we might 
draw aside the veil which the world has voluntarily hung before 
its eyes, and display to the waiting ones the first evidence of the 
truth. This, then, more correctly stated, is simply the doctrine 
of reincarnation, or the progression of the soul through number- 
less life existences. We hold, and we submit the statement 
without argument, that that which has once existed, and has 
proved a source of benefit, must always continue to exist. 

It is this fact from which the world has drifted away. So 
general has the belief become that individual genius and indi- 
vidual intellect cease when the possessor of these attributes 
passes from this short life existence, that when these master 
minds are again re-incarnated they find themselves ushered into 
a world which so strongly and positively regards them as dead — 
lost — that, notwithstanding their power, they find it utterly 
impossible to exhibit again those masterly traits which the 
world has repeatedly and positively declared to be lost. Conse- 
quently their marked peculiarities and their towering genius 
have been gradually and finally completely obscured, so that 
they pass through the new existence unrecognized by the world, 
unknown even to themselves. 

This condition arises from error in belief, or, rather, from the 



10 INTRODUCTION. 

absence of a positive belief. In the place of positive knowledge 
the world has formulated creeds, faiths, dogmas and systems, 
which all rest on the one great " hope " of immortality. Feel- 
ing that this mighty corner-stone of Truth, this everlasting fact, 
should no longer be regarded as a supposition, based upon hope 
alone, but that it should be as absolutely accepted as it is 
devoutly wished for, we seek to give knowledge for ignorance, 
certainty for hope, and light for darkness. Too long has the 
world accepted the shadow when the substance was within 
reach. Bathed in an ocean of positive knowledge, the world 
still continues to grow faint with imbibing an ignorance that 
only exists because of error. 

Believing that our statements have been sufficiently plain to 
prepare the reader, we will make again the original proposition, 
which is, to establish the truth of the hope that the existence of 
the soul and mind is endless. To do this we propose to exhibit 
to the world a series of writings that are the productions of the 
same mind, the same genius as that possessed by the immortal 
Shakspeare, whose works, written over three hundred years 
ago, are to-day regarded with universal admiration. The first 
of these works here presented has been written within the 
present year (1891), and is to be followed by others, and in such 
variety as to exhibit fully the wonderful gifts of this wonderful 
man. If the writings brought forth by the present mind shall 
equal the productions of its previous existence, we shall have 
not only conferred a priceless literary favor upon the world by 
influencing this master mind to again display itself, but shall 
have made a mighty step in establishing the Truth of Immor- 
tality. 

And here we would state that it is not our purpose at any 
time to engage in discussion or to assist in argument. In the 
natural world, the changes of seasons, the movements of the 
planets, and other known and accepted facts do not need argu- 
ment to establish the truth of their different phases. If this be 
so of the natural world, it should be so of the spiritual, and will 
be when the world gives up its self-imposed blindness. 

We hold, as a part of the truth of immortality, that the mind, 
including the intellect and genius of Shakspeare, having once 



INTRODUCTION. 11 

existed, still exists, although the world at large holds to 
the general supposition that, when, on that April morning, he 
lay down and ceased to exist as the mortal man William Shak- 
speare, the play- writer, then and forever that brilliant light 
went out, and that the world from that day and forever 
must be satisfied with the reflections only that have been trans- 
mitted through the records of that brief existence. 

We hold, and shall endeavor to prove, that the mind and soul 
of Shakspeare still exists, and is as capable of unfolding its 
masterly self as it was during that previous life which a blind 
world believes to have terminated. 

We have, therefore, in obedience to known and natural 
laws, ascertained the re-birth of this wonderful genius, and 
after removing almost countless obstacles, and striving for years 
to bring about harmonious conditions, at last succeeded in free- 
ing this mind, that it may again exhibit itself, and thereby lend 
its powerful aid to us in re-establishing the acceptance of the 
truth of immortality. Were we to make this claim unsupported, 
we should, of course, be obliged to sustain the statement with 
labored arguments and exhaustive propositions. We have, 
therefore, deemed it better to adopt that which seems to us the 
most natural course, namely, to allow this mind to again exhibit 
itself, for in this way we prove our trust and confidence in our 
belief, and display our honesty of purpose. Therefore we sub- 
mit the following : 

Having recognized that the world is again in possession of its 
honored and revered poet, we have simply brought him under 
the influence of well-known laws, and allowed him the same 
natural freedom that he enjoyed while in a previous existence. 
The liberated mind at once, and gladly, took advantage of the 
happy conditions that permitted it to enter its loved fields, and 
the result is before you. 

We claim, therefore, that the production herein entitled " The 
Queens," etc., is the literary work of the same mind, the same 
genius, that formerly composed and wrote the immortal works 
now known as those of William Shakspeare. We submit this 
statement without a desire to enter into controversy, and with 
no intention to take part in any argument. We state that 



12 INTRODUCTION. 

which we know j namely, that the genius of Shakspeare, after 
passing through an earth existence ordinarily measured by fifty- 
two years, died, in the sense in which the world at large 
regards death, and having, in obedience to a Divine and eternal 
law, passed through a state or condition involving nearly three- 
hundred years, has again, also in obedience to a Divine and 
eternal law, resumed an earth existence. 

In proof of this plain statement we offer the drama here pre- 
sented, relying upon the support vouchsafed by the internal 
evidence of the work itself to sustain our statement. 

A word of explanation in reference to the play itself. It 
covers a period from the departure of Mary, Queen of Scots, 
from the Court of France, to the day following her execution at 
Fotheringay Castle, a period of a little more than twenty-six 
years. As was necessary, in preparing a work of this kind, many 
details have been omitted, and in arranging the acts and scenes 
more attention has been paid to the production of a connected 
story than to the exact date of the events portrayed. 

The affixing of dates is not deemed necessary in a work of 
this character; however, in behalf of its accuracy, we would 
state that in no case has the author represented an action so out 
of harmony, with reference to time, as to be historically inac- 
curate, with the single exception of the introduction of the 
parliamentary committee that visited Queen Elizabeth and 
urged upon her the propriety of her marriage. This event 
actually took place about two years previous to the time at 
which the rest of the scene occurred. The author's object 
in introducing it was, first, to exhibit one of the marked 
peculiarities of Elizabeth, and, second, to give needed variety. 
Also, in order to maintain a connected story, it was necessary 
to condense events and actions that occupied days, into 
a single scene. This is notable in the trial scene. This 
memorable trial occupied four days, but the author has con- 
densed it into a single scene, and in this scene the action 
portrayed is selected from that of the whole trial. It may 
be noted here also as a fact, that the author himself was an 
Interested spectator of most of this celebrated trial, having, with 
the enthusiasm of youth, gained entrance to the great hall, where 



INTRODUCTION. 13 

he, by his sympathy with the royal defendant, became deeply 
impressed with all that took place. The acuteness of his observa- 
tions, as portrayed in this scene, may be verified by reference to 
history. Many noted events are necessarily omitted, and only 
such striking points touched upon as present the most marked 
characteristics of the two central figures. The historical accu- 
racy of the prominent part taken by the Earl of Leicester, 
assisted by Sir Nicholas Throgmorton, in involving the Duke of 
Norfolk, and finally Queen Mary herself, in a net from which 
neither could escape, will not be questioned by careful students 
of English history. 

The subject of the drama is of the author's own selection. 
And this brings us to the manner in which the work has been 
written. Having satisfied ourselves that the author could pro- 
duce a work of literary merit equal to that of any previously put 
forth while in a former life existence, we brought him, after 
months of training, into that condition which, for the want of a 
better term, we designate "Individual Kecognition," and then 
arranged for the author to proceed with the work as here pre- 
sented. 

To explain the method in which the work was received, we 
will state that, some months previous to beginning the present 
writing, the author was by us, in conformity with known laws, 
removed from the influence of his present surroundings, and 
permitted to assume the conditions most natural, which were 
those which dominated his previous existence. When under the 
influence of these conditions, he dictated to friends who are 
associated with him the work as herein presented. Scene after 
scene and act after act were rapidly dictated and transcribed. 
In order that there might be other witnesses than those who 
assisted him, it was directed that certain persons be invited to 
meet the author, to observe the method followed, and to listen 
to the dictation. These directions were carefully obeyed. 
Several well-known and locally prominent persons were invited 
to attend, and did so. The author, in a normal condition, dic- 
tated as long as the persons who were invited as witnesses 
remained present. This method was repeated as often as was 
thought necessary. At other times he dictated for hours with- 



14 INTRODUCTION. 

out apparent effort, giving, correctly, date of years and days of 
the month to important events described in the drama. This 
was done entirely without any previous preparation, without 
consulting at any time any work relating to the history of the 
times in which the drama moves. 

In regard to the literary character of the work, we would say, 
in behalf of the author, that, dealing with facts as he does, and 
relating incidents and conversations that are parts of recorded 
history, he was, necessarily, confined to plain and actual dia- 
logue, this leaving little room for the operation of imagination 
and the display of sentiment. This will explain the absence, in 
the present work, of those grand flights of imagination, and 
beautiful outbursts of sublime sentiment, which graced many of 
the author's previous works. That this omission may be sup- 
plied, we will state that the author will produce, at an early day, 
another work of an entirely different character, which will 
afford him every opportunity to exhibit all the delicacy and 
expressive depth of sentiment, and sublime imagination, that 
has marked him among the most gifted of the world's geniuses. 

Most of the events portrayed took place during his lifetime. 
Of some of the incidents he was an eye-witness. Others he drew 
from such friends and acquaintances as were conversant with 
the facts. 

As has been stated, the arrangement of the scenes and acts is 
nearly chronologically correct, and the reader's mind will be 
satisfied in regard to the historical accuracy of the work if he 
but recollect that no note is taken of the interval of time which 
actually elapsed between the several scenes and acts, and that 
the whole drama is arranged in its present connected shape in 
order to afford a continuous story. 

With these explanations we unhesitatingly send forth this 
work, taking this opportunity only to announce that other and 
more startling writings are to follow; and, as each will have its 
proper introduction, it is only necessary to ask that all be given 
that respectful hearing to which our sincerity, and the desire 
we have to benefit the world at large, entitles them. 

In answer to the natural inquiry that may arise in the minds, 
of the readers of this work in regard to the personnel of the 



INTRODUCTION. 15 

" Brothers, " we would only say at present that our Brother- 
hood is composed of a number of learned persons who have de- 
voted their lives to the study of all Truths, and to ascertaining 
and formulating the best methods of presenting these truths to 
the world. 

As a distinct and organized Brotherhood, we have had an 
actual existence for over eight hundred years. Through all 
these years the members, during their life-connection with the 
organization, have devoted their whole time to earnest study 
and searching investigation. 

We have in our possession many ancient manuscripts, scrolls, 
tablets, transcripts from ancient monuments, tombs and obelisks, 
some of which record events many years prior to accepted writ- 
ten history. The larger part of these writings are unknown to 
the rest of the world. 

From the earliest times our Brotherhood has collected every 
attainable scrap of history, recorded traditions and writings of 
every character pertaining to the most remote history of the 
world, until we now possess an immense and invaluable collec- 
tion of ancient histories, traditions, historical hymns, songs of 
the people, and other writings pertaining to periods far antedat- 
ing any other records known to be in possession of man. These 
have been carefully preserved, diligently studied and handed 
down from Brother to Brother. 

In addition to all this, our Brotherhood retains oral instruc- 
tions, traditions and written explanations of natural and spirit- 
ual laws which were the heritage of the founders of our Order. 

In regard to ourselves, it need only be said that we are the 
inheritors of this vast mine of knowledge, and also that we, 
from long and earnest devotion to the highest promptings of our 
spiritual natures, and earnest and attentive listening to the pro- 
foundest communications received by intuition, and by commun- 
ion with the highest source of knowledge, have fitted ourselves for 
spiritual research and intellectual understanding. Our attain- 
ments are ours only because of years of study, and long and 
earnest attempts to perfect our understanding of the laws gov- 
erning mankind, and our relation to the One Source of Life. 

Now, therefore, in obedience to our vows, and in compliance 



16 INTRODUCTION. 

with our inclinations, we attempt, in the presentation of the fol- 
lowing work, to cany out the objects for which our Order was 
instituted. 

The present work is but one of a class, and is to be followed 
by others, which we hope will do much in forwarding the prin- 
ciples which actuate us in our labors. We do not deem it 
necessary, at present, to make further explanation, adding only 
that our object and aim is to establish, firmly, the Truth of the 
Fatherhood of GOD, the Brotherhood of Man, and the Immor- 
taility of the Soul. 

For truth and light, 

"The Brothers. n 

[Translated.] 



TO THE READER 



In compliance with the suggestion of the Brothers, I have 
written the following personal note. I have no explanation to 
add to that given in the " Introduction, " and most positively no 
excuse to make for the following pages. 

A few months ago, the remarkable statements made by the 
Brothers in their "Introduction," and the almost marvelous 
claims therein put forward, would have astonished me as much 
as they will the most incredulous reader of this book. When the 
impressions first came to me I could not, and did not, fully real- 
ize what a strange, wonderful experience was before me, nor 
could I accept the startling statements made by the Brothers in 
regard to my most remarkable reincarnation. After some 
months of mental struggle I at last was compelled not only to 
have my impressions transcribed, but also to fully accept the 
statements as made in the " Introduction. " Then, with the 
assistance of friends selected by the Brothers, I commenced 
work by dictating a number of hours each day. The result is 
before you. 

I have no comment to make upon the literary part of the work, 
and can only say that it is a truthful and exact transcript of the 
vivid and life-like impressions that came to me. The book has 
not in any sense been edited, and now appears just as it was dic- 
tated; no one has added to or taken from the work as originally 
given. 

With the exception of an indescribable feeling of buoyancy 
and an excessive acuteness to sound and all outward impressions, 
I may truthfully state that I regarded my condition while dic- 
tating as in every way perfectly normal. There was certainly 
no trance, nor did I repeat the words of another, borne to me by 
what is known as "thought transference." There was at no 
time any condition or influence that could possibly be designated 



18 TO THE HEADER. 

as " spiritualistic. " To myself I appeared to be an actual spec- 
tator of the acts portrayed; that is, I described the several 
scenes just as if they had occurred in my presence but a few 
hours before I dictated them as they now appear. So life-like 
and real did the more exciting parts seem to me that I felt as if 
I could have gone on for hours describing the moving scenes that 
so strongly impressed me. 

With the exception of consulting, after the book ivas written, a 
work of reference to obtain the correct spelling of the names of 
the persons represented in the drama, I did not, either before or 
during the writing, refer to any historical or other book treating 
on English history; nor did I read or have read to me any of 
the plays of Shakspeare. I do not desire nor intend to supple- 
ment the marvelous statements and claims of the Brothers 
by any words of my own. I seem now only called upon to 
write as I am impressed. This I shall continue to do as I have 
done, trusting, with confidence, not only in the merit of the writ- 
ings, but in the noble, high and pure aims of the Brothers, as 
expressed in the " Introduction," that I may not only help to 
substantiate the claims made by them, but gain for my efforts a 
respectful hearing. 

The Authok. 



THE QUEENS. 



PERSONS REPRESENTED. 



Elizabeth, Queen of England. 

Countess of Nottingham, ^ 

Lady Douglas Sheffield, [ Ladies in waiting to Elizabeth. 

Lady Frances Howard, J 

Lady Scrope, wife of Lord Scrope. 

Lady Knollys, wife of Sir Francis Knollys. 

Countess of Shrewsbury, wife of the Earl of Shrewsbury. 

Eael of Leicestee, > 

Sir William Cecil (afterwards Lord Burghley), Members of 

Sir Christopher Hatton, the privy 

Lord W alsingh am, [council of 

Sir Thomas Smith, Elizabeth. 

Lord Bromley, 

Earl of Arundel, friend of Leicester. 

Lord Scrope, first keeper of Queen Mary. 

Eael of Pembroke, friend of the Duke of Norfolk. 

Sir Francis Knollys, officer of the court of Elizabeth. 

Lord Lumley, friend of the Earl of Leicester 

Duke of Norfolk, suitor for the hand of Queen Mary. 

Sir Nicholas Throgmorton, Elizabeth's ambassador to Mary; 

afterwards recalled by Sir William's advice. 
Earl of Shrewsbuey, one of Queen Mary's keepers. 
Sir Ralph Saddler, one of Queen Mary's keepers. 
Earl of Sussex, friend of the Duke of Norfolk. 
Earl of Murray, brother of Queen Mary. 
Dr. Dee, a magician consulted by Queen Elizabeth. 
Worcestee, a book-binder and confidant of Queen Elizabeth, 

called by her " Book." 

*9 



20 THE QUEENS. 

Felango, an Italian agent of the Earl of Leicester. 
Davison, secretary to Lord Burghley. 
Baenet, servant to the Earl of Leicester. 
Sandt, a servant of Queen Elizabeth. 
Snowdon, chairman of the parliamental committee. 
Mart, Queen of Scotland. 
Mart Livingston, >> 

Mart Seaton, I Ladies in waiting to Mary, Queen of 

Mart Beaton, Scotland. 

Mart Fleming, j 
D'Otsell, ambassador of Queen Mary. 
Duke of Guise, uncle of Queen Mary. 
Bishop of Ross, adviser and agent of Queen Mary. 
Stephens, agent of Queen Mary. 

Lords, ladies, commissioners, sheriff, watchmen, members of 
Queen Elizabeth's parliament, servants and other attendants. 



THE PROLOGUE. 

With no intent to foster feud, or wake 
The burning smart of memories long asleep ; 
Nor so to praise or frown with favors lean 
That my lines may seem other than exact; 
I would yet make of truth such good display, 
That, hearing, you might choose the better part 
From out the deeds of those who, good or ill, 
In life work'd out their ways; and in the choice 
Make small the loss of that which weakest is. 
Thus may you, in the grander, nobler traits, 
Know, then judge that which better was, and is. 

Of two brave hearts my story chiefly treats, 
Pray give to both your charity's sweetest wish. 

For her who, craving deep the warmth of love, 
And feeling sore the loss she could not hide, 
Made pretense stand for that her heart was not, 
While her poor hungry soul made cry within, 
I ask but such forbearance as the weight 
Of her yet better deeds so well may claim. 

Think, I pray you, on both the state and times, 
And then so measure your conclusions fair, 
That the good may, by contrast with the wrong, 
Be still the larger of the deeds she wrought. 

So for her who, by force of hapless birth. 
Urged rule of realm with more of trust in men 
Than comprehension of the ends they sought; 
And who too soon made care the shift of joy, 
And thus robb'd the sad, darksome years that came 
Of wisdom's weight, by over-stress in youth, 
I would crave such rate as sweet compassion 
Shall urge is just to clew the ends of right. 
But with full sense of both the loss and gain, 



22 THE QUEENS. [Prologue. 

Fitting decision well to circumstance, 
Ask that justice may be so measured 
That none a touch of quittance shall regret, 
Remembering that often lesser sins 
Are not of choice, but chance, and that sometimes 
One is not the knave he would be, for lack 
Of wit doth clothe him with garments so pure 
■ That he may strut in an innocence that 
Hath not a place within his washy soul. 

I would not have you make a prize of wrong, 
And so cheat the right, that that which is hurt 
Might, by strength of force, o'ercome the better; 
But giving greater weight to ends than means ; 
And, mindful that the corn of good intent 
Is oft o'errun by weeds of accident, 
Learn that the good that men would gladly do 
May be lost in the maze of plot and parle. 
For, oh ! man's will is oft so soft a thing, 
That it may, perchance, do a monstrous wrong, 
Hoping that good as recompense may come. 

But on your hearts I've play'd enough, so now, 
Lest I be thought to impeach your judgment, 
I'll urge no longer this my poor prologue; 
But, turning back the years, before you bring 
Those who strove and won, those who strove and lost, 
Leaving the verdict of their acts with you, 
Feeling that, whatever it is, 'tis true. 



THE QUEENS, 



ACT I. 

Scene I. — Boom in the Palace of St. Germain, France. 
Enter Mary, Queen of Scotland, Mart Livingston, Mary 
Fleming, Mary Beaton, Mary Seaton and Monsieur 
D'Oysell. 

Q. Mary. I do now repent me that I did ask 
Of my cousin this poor favor, for what 
Need have I, full as much a queen as she, 
To crave as favor that which is my right ? 
Has now this Queen of England grown so great 
That she doth claim the right to rule the sea ? 
But tell me, friend, how made the queen answer ? 

IPOysell. I pray, your Majesty, that you do only 
Ask of me such a report as the words 
Of it would not profane your ears to hear; 
For if I do drag before you fully 
The speech which the English queen did assay, 
I have good need to be unmindful of 
Your Majesty's presence, and so loud-mouth' d be 
As would shame yourself and gentle ladies. 

Q. Mary. Have no fear, good friend, for I hold you 
So fair ambassadeur, so tall a man, 
That rough, unseemly words, though from a boor, 
Would, when filtered through your honest lips, 
Make no offense to gentlest, maid or queen. 
Say on please. Solus ! [Exeunt attendants. 

D Oy sell. I will keep in bond 

The harsher words, or make of them good props 

23 



24 THE QUEENS. [Act i. 

To stay my zeal for truth, that they may urge, 

By remembrance of the wrong to thee, 

A yet fairer report of royal spite. 

I now repeat that which ros'd my cheek 

With shame to hear at large from queenly lips, 

And alas ! wrung such dolor from my soul 

That I could no fitting answer make. 

Q. Mary. You did honor your sense in matching not, 
To grievous hurt of self, the queen's hot words. 
But sure the waters between have so cool'd 
Tour choler that thou may est now repeat 
With no harm, her baneful spleen, word for word, 
Withholding only such poor slurs as shame, 
By their intent and port, our intellect. 

jyOysell. When I had come, by her most gracious leave 
Into the presence of the queen and court, 
I made to deliver privately 
Your Majesty's most reasonable wish. 
But scarce had I disclosed my office quite, 
When lo, at sight of your royal seal, 
The queen did such hot salutation make, 
That I lost by surprise a fuller sense 
Of her brunt. 

Q. Mary. Why! did sparks so quickly blaze 
At this poor show that reason was consum'd? 

D-Oysell It does not become me to judge her words, 
Except to point their force and full intent. 
With such words as I had fully shap'd, 
And with much of care to escape offense 
I did address the queen as was fitting. 
But methinks it was not the words nor form, 
But rather the favor which I did ask, 
That did so much anger the English queen. 
Pray judge you now how you would have made cesi. 
I do use again the self-same words, for 
So oft had I Bchool'd myself for this 
Thai I had writ it down on memory's page, 
So that for your sake I might make no slip. 



Scene i.] THE QUEERS. 25 

Then in this wise did I deliver myself. 

Q. Mary. Did not the queen my cousin make a sign 
That would have given you private hearing ? 

B J Oysell. Nay, rather so loudly did she herald, 
That not a few came in from outer rooms, 
As boys do mob after drollery shows, 
And they, wide-mouth'd, did chuckle at the rout. 

Q. Mary. A shameless show of spleen. 

D'Oysell. I thought it so, 

But for your sake I helped it not o'er much, 
Thinking the exhibit should English be. 
So, when the clamor of her tongue did offer, 
I said I fain would plead your royal cause. 
Then, following your own sweet words exact, 
I said : Being widow'd now, you had mind 
To return to Scotland and your people, 
And you craved but that fair consideration 
In your passage as friend would give to friend. 
I said that you would not lay money tax 
On her friendship, but, in just, full, fair coin, 
Make recompense as right for meat and drink, 
Nor tarry longer than would meet your need. 
Then, to soften even this fair request, 
I did display your loving, queenly trust 
In her gracious remembrance of your strait. 
And when, by force of plea, I had tapped 
The founts of other eyes, I bolder grew, 
And would have yet further softness spoken, 
But the queen, with a face as hard as flint, 
Bade me stop, and, turning her sharp about, 
She said : " The Queen of Scots may sail to hell " 
(Sit venia verbo, — I do speak exact.) — 
" My kingdom is no inn for such as she. 
Let her first keep her honest bond with me, 
And sign the fair covenant made and seal'd. 
I would, indeed, make small use of my hand 
To sign for her safe conduct, that she may 
The nearer be to plot and plan and scheme. 



26 THE QUEENS. [Act I. 

If your mistress had more of years and sense, 
Or could she barter face for craft of state, 
She might have spared you all this useless bruit. 
Od's hate to her and all her tricky tribe. 
Not a grain of my realm shall feel her foot 
Till she shall fully mend her broken word. 
Tell her that the Scots need a firmer hand, 
And yet more a head than a pretty face. 
Let her stay, the plaything of your gay court, 
Such as she is fitter to dance than rule. 
Yet she is not so young that she hath not 
Learned to quibble and play the hypocrite. 
Look ! her fair paper, with its seal and crest, 
I thus do spit upon. To the devil 
With it and her, till she do rightly sign 
The compact whereof she hath so agreed. " 
Then, with far more of strut than royal grace, 
She stump'd with noisy fling and lofty swag 
Out of the room, leaving me amaz'd and sham'd. 

Q. Mary. Oh that I did so belittle myself 
As to ask, from so hard a heart, that which 
I had no need to crave, nor wish for now. 
Good friend, I pray you, if I have not lost, 
Through this lame affair, your sweet respect, 
That you do spare me further, and, perchance, 
Yet baser report of this wanton hurt. 
I'm sick at heart to think how woman's wrong'd 
By such a vixen as this proud antique. 
But did not her courtiers seek to becalm 
Her hot and riotous blood ? 

IPOysell. Did man e'er still 

So sharp a tongue ? I think an earl or such 
Did assay to cool her fiery ranting, 
But if could be got more of lip than I. 
Why, she doth rule so much with fist and foot 
That I fear her court hath yet more of thumps 
Than thanks. 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 27 

Q. Mary. Indeed, can this be so of truth ? 

UOysell. That it is so doth save me from contempt, 
Elsewise I should merit your displeasure 
By fouling the atmosphere about you 
With a rehearsal that's so distasteful. 

Q. Mary. Make no apology, I pray you sir, 
For your part in this most distressing jaw. 
You have so acquitted yourself for me 
That I do put myself in pawn to you 
To hold until redeem'd by like return ; 
But I trust you ne'er shall have need to sue 
Again a court so hard for case so poor. 
But tell me, pray, how spoke her ministers — 
Softly, as becomes gentlemen ? or did 
They fear her ruffs, or yet perhaps her cuffs ? 

D'Oysell. When I had taken mind of mine affront, 
I made quick demand for my official pass, 
And, speaking to Earl of Leicester, said : 
" Sir, should I have cause to visit again 
Your court, or, perchance, interview your queen, 
I'll be prudent enough to wear my sconce, 
That I may save my head from royal bolt. " 
So much to taste and style have these things grown, 
That they did make them merry o'er my plight, 
And, laughing at what they dubb'd " English grit," 
Tried not to soften the unseemly twist. 
But, mindful of your royal dignity, 
I shook their hateful dust from off my feet, 
Feeling the rough sea better bred than they. 
But I would mention that the queen did send, 
By ship that brought me back, her minister, 
Who will fully acquaint your Majesty 
With such reasons as policy affirms 
Is just and right, from their scope and warrant. 

Q. Mary. Yes, true it hath been so proclaimed to me, 
And I have set to-day to hear him out. 

UP Oy sell. There be such need for this as but becomes 



28 TEE QUEENS. [ACT I. 

Your royal birth, and most gracious pleasure. 
These Englishmen do shut the door themselves 
By consenting to thus import to you 
Their churlish refusal, so shamelessly put. 

Q. Mary. I shall hear this, her agent, unburden, 
And then so reply that, haply, I may 
Extract from his mind something of the shame 
Of my poor, weakly play at state-craft's game. 
But I shall make the entertainment so 
That he and I alone shall see and know 
How much the blood of England's queen and mine 
Doth foam and fume alike when equal heat 
Stirs up the natures of our human hearts. 
Enter Page. 

Page. His Grace the Duke of Guise. 

Enter Duke of Guise. 

Duke of G. I salute you all. 

From eye and face I judge some work of weight 
Doth deep concern you. Pray do I intrude ? 

Q. Mary. I did but hark to mine ambassadeur, 
Who hath just return'd from the English court, 
Where both he and I have been so befoul'd 
That I now feel that only long penance 
And much of pax will, alas ! make us clean. 

Duke of G. Not yon two so much as the English court 
Do need the holy office of the church. 
I have heard how reformation would treat 
A christian and a prince, who only ask'd 
Such common favor as the granting would 
But prove one's relation to God and man. 
If this be the fruits of their prated creed, 
I fear their hot reform doth spring from hate, 
And hath in it more of devil than God. 

that some good, brave, christian prince would wrench 
This red-hair'd bastard from her stolen throne. 

1 have mind to counsel that France demand, 
By threat or force, such apology 



Scene I.] THE QUEENS. 29 

For this hurt to the relic of our king 

As will make them mindful of right and wrong. 

My indignation hath hid the reason 

Of my coming. Plum'd and booted, without 

Doth wait the representative of spite, 

Who, with oily tongue and cant and lies, 

Would bolster up his pagan court and state, 

By plea as excuse for this heartless front, 

" The necessities of the public weal." 

Will your Majesty see this man? 

Q. Mary. Of choice, 

I would hear him not. But the good tenets 
Of our better faith do plead kinder thought. 
I pray you, good friends, let this interview 
Be between this diplomat and myself. 
I would curtain all anger and hot speech, 
And so keep in the bounds of good intent 
That I stand by contrast not the less right. 
What blow or sting hath come to me may not 
Lighter be, or less hard, if I do send 
A like hurt back to her who coldly struck. 
Let me, then, be alone. 

Duke of G. If you so mind. 

[To Page], You will say to Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, 
Her majesty doth await his presence. [Exit Page. 

Q. Mary. Monsieur d'Oysell, I pray that you wait near. 
Should I call thus [bloivs tvhistle], you will attend me. 

Duke of G. I, too, will remain within summons' reach. [Exit. 

D'Oysell. I shall await your Majesty's command. [Exit. 

Enter Page. 

Page. Monsieur l'Ambassadeur. [Exit. 

Throg. Tour Majesty, 

By command royal, and choice, I salute you. [Kneels. 

Q. Mary. If your good smiles do prove your mission fair, 
I bid you rise, and pray accept 
The offer of my frendship in good heart. 

Throg. I have my duty to my queen to say. 
If it hath not in it words oversoft, 



30 THE QUEENS. [Act I. 

Pray lament the necessity. 

Q. Mary. I do, 

And in so lamenting I grieve me most 
That the queen your mistress hath so much lost 
Of her good amity toward myself, 
That I feel aggriev'd. 

Throg. You can have no more, 

I trow, than hath the queen my mistress, 
Of grievous pain. 

Q. Mary. You bring your queen's reply? 

Ttirog. Such is'my mission. I pray that you 
So weigh my words that they have such force 
As the gravity of my charge doth bring. 

Q. Mary. As doth become me, I will hear you, sir. 

Throg. It was your good pleasure to lately send 
To her majesty, the queen, my mistress, 
Monsieur d'Oysell, your good ambassadeur, 
To pray of her majesty safe conduct, 
First, for your free passage, by land or sea, 
Into your realm, and also therewith 
To be accommodated with favors 
Such as upon events you might have need. 
The queen my mistress hath not thought it good 
To let Monsieur d'Oysell pass to Scotland, 
Nor to satisfy your further desires. 
The queen my mistress hath deemed herself 
Eight fully justified in refusing 
Your supplications, inasmuch as you 
Have not kept good, as yet, your honorable bond 
With the queen my mistress, as you agreed ; 
But I am commanded to assure you 
That, if you will be yet better advis'd, 
And think with more reason and sweeter will, 
And agree to the ratification, 
The queen my mistress will not only see 
You within her realm, but grant you freely 
Such accommodations as you may need ; 
And make for you your voyage to your country 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 31 

Safe and pleasant. For the queen my mistress 
Doth desire that between you should still be 
That amity that becomes you two akin. 

Q. Mary. I pray you, Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, 
Be seated. I see you note the absence 
Of my friends and attendants. I know not 
O'er well mine own poor infirmities, nor 
How far I may by them be transported. 
I like not to have so many hearers 
Of such weakness as I may, perchance, speak, 
As did the queen your mistress, when she talk'd 
With Monsieur d'Oysell. 

Tlirog. I pray you think 

On the time and place when he did assay 
To approach the queen my mistress. 

Q. Mary. I do, 

Good Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, and yet 
The thinking doth not mend the case a whit. 
A queen may always be a queen, I trow, 
Nor place nor time urge loss of dignity. 
How far the queen's your mistress' deportment 
Doth with the fashion of your country run, 
I know not, for I do lack in wit of courts. 
I am, as she said, not old, and lacking 
Her experience, I have requested 
That I be permitted to exhibit 
My loss of sweeter mind and lack of craft 
To you alone. 

Throg. Not of reason need you 

So appoint. 

Q. Mary. I know your ready hand, 
Good Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, and how 
The queen your mistress would hear of my slips, 
Either in speech or manner. 

Throg. Is this kind f 

Your words do make a most unfair accuse, 
Or by ambuling, force my gallantry 
To claim that you do wound another, absent, 



32 THE QUEENS, [Act I. 

By prick of words to me. 

Q. Mary. Who makes report 

Shall, of truth, repeat what a queen should say, 
If they put down aright my simple speech. 
My dearth of words doth cut me short, I fear, 
Of the flood wherewith your mistress the queen 
Did make her answer to my poor request. 
If to you I do lack in this respect, 
Eecollect that I have not the schooling 
Which so goodly a court as yours affords. 
You do make, good Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, 
Too much force of this your point of signing 
What the queen your mistress names a treaty. 
Pray, have I not already made to the queen 
Your mistress a full, fair answer on this point ? 
When this you are pleased to call a treaty 
Was writ and signed, I had such lack, as too, 
Alas! also had the king, my late lord 
And husband, of the yet deeper meanings 
Of this binding bond you do now urge me 
To sign, that neither he nor I then thought 
How far these smoothly-running words would reach. 
I feel I am not, either injustice 
Or honor, bound or held by decisions 
That were made and consented to while 
I was yet under advisement, being 
Still young, of my uncles, his holiness 
The Cardinal, and his grace, Duke of Guise. 
And more yet, good Monsieur l'Ambassadeur; 
At the time when I did seem to consent 
To the signing of this treaty, mine affairs 
And interests, and, alas! all my poor heart, 
Were bound up in this realm of France. But now 
That I am widow'd, my further interests 
Turn, as is most natural, to the country 
Whereof I am rightly queen. And feeling 
That now this mutter doth deeply concern 
My lords and estates, I do see that I 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 33 

Need their judgment, which is far wiser 

Than mine, in this most important business. 

I had mind to return soon to Scotland, 

That I might counsel with those whose interests 

Are akin to mine own. When I had spoken 

Mine intent to the queen your mistress, 

She not only refused the asking, but 

I am told by mine agents in the north, 

That your queen hath lurking ships that will strive 

To lay themselves across my path, that they 

May impeach my return to mine own realm. 

I pray you, good Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, 

That if you have in store yet other words 

Which shall more fully acquaint my poor mind 

Of the queen's your mistress' full reason for 

This sore displeasure which she doth feel for me, 

That you will advise me of their import, 

So, that if haply I do discover my faults, 

I may yet the more quickly remove them. 

Tlirog. There is naught of displeasure that the queen 
My mistress doth hold toward you, save that 
You do continue to avoid that which you 
Should of right make good at once by signing. 
And further : Pray do you think it is meet 
That you do now emblazon, even blend, 
The arms of England with your own on this 
Your shield ? By this am I to judge of the full 
Degree of your amity toward the queen 
My mistress ? 

Q. Mary. Is this, then, so great a thing ? 
Have these harmless, outlined marks here engrav'd 
Upon this field, now, so much weight and force, 
That the queen your mistress would make estrange 
Two hearts that should loving be? 

Throg. But, madam 

Q. Mary. I pray you, good Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, 
Do hear me out on this matter touching 
This crest and arms. ' Tis true I bear it not 
3 



34 THE QUEENS. [Act I. 

Of mine own will, but, making friendly the, guide 

Of those wiser in the affairs of state, 

I did consent to this harmless blending. 

But since the death of the late king, my lord, 

I hare made no use of this as a sign, 

And only now, by most unhappy chance, 

Had I this poor, useless toy about me. 

But see, I lay it down, nor wear it more. 

This I do as a token of friendship. 

I fear me, good Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, 

That the queen your mistress hath time that doth 

Hang idly on her hands, if she would make 

So great a rift for a thing so smally. 

But that I may do yet more than my half, 

To show that my feelings are of better growth, 

I will say to you that I will wear it no more, 

Xor use this that hath so much of fright 

Upon its face. In laying it aside 

I do sue the better thought of your heart, 

That you may say to the queen your mistress, 

How glad I am for peace. 

Throg. You say good plea, 

But the words you speak make so thick a cloud 
Of dull, foggy seeming, that I do miss 
Your plain answer to the queen's plain request. 

Q. Mary. Had I not vow'd to myself and to God 
To hold in leash the sterner, biting words 
My lips would speak, I might here make sharp tort ; 
For my soul doth rail at this your fell stir. 
But no. We may not meet the ends of right 
By this our poor, vain pitting wrong to wrong. 
Have I not, Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, shown 
The full reason for withholding my sign ? 
Is, indeed, your message so poor and short 
That you do need to stick on this one point ? 
I do have it in mine heart to spare you 
A further tilt with your own better thought ; 
For I know full well that you but sneap me 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 35 

With words which you brought with you ready-made. 

Throg. I have not, madam, from my very youth 
Been so far lost for speech that I had need 
To blab another's, and palm it for my own. 
I am commissioned by the queen my mistress 
To insist on this most rightful signing ; 
The goal of it is whereof I am sent. 
The words I do use, madam, are my own. 
That I have made choice of softness thus far, 
Doth right well show that I would gently lead, 
While straight law would surely force a quarrel. 

Q. Mary. If, Monsieur PAmbassadeur, it be true 
That, indeed, you conned not these your words, 
I might have kept mine innocent excuse 
For your sharp speech, and sent my thought of grace 
To the queen your mistress as was better. 
If she be earnest to potch that you do name 
As quarrel, she herself must drag before 
The eyes of the world the poor, weakly hitch 
She doth now halt at, and show how she bid 
You swim a sea, that she might thus herald 
How small a point a queen may stick upon. 
I well know that both the queen your mistress 
And yourself, think that because there are some 
In mine own kingdom who are discontent, 
And use mine absence as signal for broil, 
That perchance if she but use me hurtfully, 
Others of my land may turn against me. 
You must know, as does the queen your mistress, 
That I have still many friends and allies, 
Who do not only speak good word for me, 
And the righteousness of my cause, but stand 
Ready, with stronger force than words, to help. 

Throg. I have no need to remind you, madam, 
That you have good cause to seek the friendship 
Of the queen my mistress ; for you must know 
That in your own realm there be very many 
Who, discontented, plot your overthrow. 



36* THE QUEENS. [Act i. 

The queen my mistress seeing this full well, 
Hath deem'd it yet more prudent for your good 
To have and hold her friendship, as you may 
In affliction have need of her support. 

Q. Mary. I ask nothing but mine own rights of her. 
I do not trouble her state or subjects. 
And yet I know that there be not a few 
Among her people who have not the mind 
She hath, in religion or other things; 
Yet I have no will to fret her subjects. 
The queen says I am young. True, I am not 
As old as she, but I am old enough 
To use myself toward my kin and friends 
Uprightly and as becomes a christian ; 
And I trust my youth will not lead me 
To so heat my passion that I shall use 
Other language than doth become a queen. 

Throg. Madam, you do so beat about with words, 
That you do hide the point as yet unmet. 
I pray you let us have no more stilting. 
If you have it not in your heart to now 
Redeem your rightful pledge, pray make to me 
As you may, your pleasure as to signing. 
That whereof your lords and self have agreed. 
While yet the king, your late lord aud husband, 
Was alive, and did right fully assent. 

Q. Mary. You do, indeed, so shake my good intent 
With the smart of your purpose to offend, 
That I am near constrained to ask a truce, 
Lest I be plung'd into a foreign sin, 
And be yet weaker by imitation 
Than I ought to be, who am so nearly 
Akin to so grand a model. 

Throg. By my faith, 

I do not know which to lament me most — 
This stiffness in one Dial's so young and fair, 
Or this unwillingness t»> meet aright 
The wise course the queen my mistress doth show. 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 37* 

Q. Mary. Wise ! How so ? Is it good wisdom to throw 
Myself into an unknown sea of trust, 
Where I must needs look alone for mine help 
To those who would but gladly see me sink? 
Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, you have my say, 
Nor will I my rashness now further tempt. 

Throg. This then's final ? 

Q. Mary. Reason doth so affirm. 

Throg. Make not reason parent so wrong a thing; 
But pray send to me a yet fairer word, 
That doth the more befit your royal grace. 
I have good mind to lag me yet awhile, 
Or until a sweeter lull doth follow 
This resentful storm, which hath only cast 
These words of broken drift upon the shore 
Of your troubled sea, which must calmer be 
When self and soul shall take account alone. 

Q. Mary. I see the queen your mistress hath, forsooth, 
Well equipp'd her ambassadeur. 

Throg. How so ? 

Can I fail to see that which is not hid ? 
For, with all your queenly seeming, 
You do but play the sterner parts, though well, 
Yet still, beneath the biting frost I see 
A warmer self. 

Q. Mary. If I do play, and gain, 
In the playing, your gracious meed, I do 
Yet feel the want of care, lest your sweet praise 
Lead me to so mistake the false for true 
That I may miss my wit, and fail to see 
That this shallow glaze of bland, wee confect, 
Is but an after-touch of lush softness 
That policy doth append. 

Throg. You wrong both 

The good queen her majesty and myself. 

Q. Mary. If I do wrong, pray forgive. I only 
Make such a defense as my case demands. 
I pray you that you so use your office 



38* THE QUEENS. [Act I. 

That, if there be but a small spark of love 
Between the queen your mistress and myself, 
It be fann'd into a better blaze, 
To the end, that we may yet be as doth 
Become two queens akin. 

Throg. I am not here 

Of my own choice, but rather to appeal 
In affairs of state to one who is wise, 
But whose wisdom doth need a broader scope. 

Q. Mary. Such wit as I have, be it small or great, 
I have no desire to measure it now 
In a field not of mine own selecting. 

Throg. But, madam, the treaty is sure your own, 
Inasmuch as the king 

Q. Mary. Enough, I pray. 

Alas, though a skillful player, you do 
Harp upon a single string far too much. 

Throg. If there be those whose souls are not attun'd, 
Except 

Q. Mary. It is not the player so much 
As the air he doth assay to play 
That sore offends. 

Throg. If I offend, I pray 

That I may withdraw. 

Q. Mary. It were better so. 

But, in going, I pray you to take 
With you sweet remembrance of the good 
I meant to say, forgetting not, alas, 
My lack of that wisdom which doth so grace 
The queen your mistress, and doth leave me now 
So poor when weigh'd with her. 

Throg. I have only 

Your refuse to say to the queen my mistress. 
Is this " a thin glaze of bland, wee confect 
That policy doth append ? " You do seem 
Better arm'd than I ; or, from practice, do 
Keep your most deadly shafts to close the bout. 
In affairs like this 'tis not meet to sue 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 39* 

As rustic lovers do, by gush of parle, 
Nor even trust a kiss to mend a breach, 
Nor yet the damper office of a tear 
To patch a broken pledge. 

Q. Mary. [Blows whistle. Enter D'Oysell.] I have fin- 
ished. 
[To D'Oysell.] I pray you, hand Monsieur l'Ambassadeur 
That whereon we have so agreed. In this, 
My seal, you will discover our answer. 
There are no tears, nor yet a queenly kiss, 
Only an equal's most needful render. 

Throg. If this your written word doth but contain 
The fore-fix'd speech you have just made to me, 
There be small need to bear it hence. 

Q. Mary. I ask, 

Good Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, that you use 
Your noble office as doth fit a man 
Whose aim it should be to foster rather 
Sweet amity than strife. Your loyalty 
I praise, though its use be askew a wee ; 
Yet I gladly bear witness to your zeal, 
And, as an earnest of mine esteem, pray 
Accept the better wishes of mine heart. [Gives him her hand. 

Throg. The pleading of your eyes shall more affect 
The good tenor of my report, than shall 
The wisdom of your queenly words. 

Q. Mary Of truth ? 

Then let mine eyes speak what my lips have miss'd. 
If you do see that which doth better seem 
Than that which you have heard, pray so report. 

Enter Duke of Guise and the four Marys. 

Throg. I see the private interview is o'er. 

Q. Mary. These who now attend do but witness bear 
That we part as friends. 

Throg. 'Tis true, as friends. 

Q. Mary. Then with these sweeter words, more to mine heart, 
I wish you safe return, and God's dear care. 
May the sea be calm and the winds blow fair. [Exeunt omnes. 



36 THE QUEENS. [Act i. 

Scene II. Room in Westminster Palace, London. 

Enter Sandy and Bakney. 

Sandy. Aye, guid Barney, thir be sturtsome times. What wi' 
the lairds an' gentles yeding wi' ae' anither, an' the awsome 
dunt the queen gie ye master yestreen; an' I say thee nae as ae' 
what hae it hack, for be the bars me mither wore, I saw it; an' 
wi' sic smart skill did the queen pit the lounder, that his laird- 
ship was glad to skyt out o' reach frae her nive, an' hald his 
wud for some lesser chucky. 

Barney. Sure, mon, ye prate o'er much for a thing so small. 
Sure that's no clout the quane did fling. 'Pon me saul it was 
but a pat. 

Sandy. I dinna ken what ye ca' a pat, but na sma' blaw canna 
mak' sic a knoost as ye master did dree. Why, mon, na runyon 
wad gie a war' ae', an' wi' the nevel gade sic wyte, that ye mas- 
ter norsed his haffet in lown, as was halesome; tho' I ken his 
lairdship wad gie a wee to hae mends o' a lesser, or yet a sma' 
tooly wi' underling. 

Barney. Sure, mon, nither pat or speech would harm the earl. 
Sure lovers oft spit like that, then when alone the goose will sue 
for peace, and the silly gander, with the promise of a buss, will 
forget the dig. 

Sandy. As ye will, guid Barney, as ye will ; but I ween ye mas- 
ter wad lure tak' the buss than the flewitt, seeing he's her jo na 
lang, an' anither may be nist owk. But ruuckle mair be in the 
mirk, Barney, muckle mair, nor ony sturt or snib o' queen or 
blether o' earl. Why, I was tauld yestreen that our Scottie 
queen hae skt her ain hame an' raught Ingliss cosie in sic sorry 
brats that hersell maun thig len o' busk an' sark to pit her 
brands in. 

They gossie she doth orp muckle an' claver o' church, an' 
quoth, "she do dree a' for religion." Ah, me, what unco 
haviour fowk will hae, an' say it's a' for God. Why, here's 
Inglan's sain'd queen, God bless her saul, she doth gar the pop- 
ish knaves to grace fou mony a woody; an' she's lifting moil's 
taps frae afl* their backs, then in her haly prayers she doth quoth, 
" For thy sake, Jesu, I do it a'." Then here's this forfairn 



Scene ii.] THE QUEENS. 37 

queen, wi' mair looe's an' prets than siller or wat, an' I fear 
less o' virtue than has ye mither, an' mair youdith than 
hams, spanging o'er eard an' sea, wi' na time to greet o'er her 
blowed up guid mon's mools ; gowling in the gurly wind wi' odd 
no's an' half ungeared, till she fain wad drain her eens to speel 
to her fawn throne again. An' then, forletting her own wan- 
grace, she quoths, " For haly church an' sweet religion I gie 
up a'." Ah me, guid Barney, wha's got religion an' what be it? 

Barney. Keligion, fool ! why, your wit must have a ban on it. 
Know ye not what religion is ? Why mon, he's most of religion 
who's most atop. In our good, fair England her majesty hath 
the true religion, for she doth ride the heap. But if the Span- 
ish Philip came and blocked her head, and put the Scot in her 
robes, why she would hoist her religion in, and then that would 
be the true just the same. So, my lad, religion, as played by 
kings and quanes, is but a see-saw mock. The common folk with 
small pretense, have most of honest faith. But list, Sandy, for 
such as we should not bother our pates with matters that plum 
not our puddings. Have you a mind to tell me how the earl got 
that pat. I wouldn't mind a pint of scuds to have it straight from 
you who saw it sure. Some day when master's in his stroot I'll give 
him how much I know, and so making shame a leash keep self 
and barns in pence. 

Sandy. Gin it be ye fother to trade on the haps o' court 
I'll na' sta'k your sta' ; for how ken I you'll na' twig me wi' the 
ding, that a dog'll fetch a ban will na' be hooly to sneak twa 
away. 

Barney. make not of yourself boast of that ye got not. If 
you keep a secret it's your forebears hanging. Sure I've no 
need to ear o'er much to con all in your pate. But come, let us 
as of yore, go snacks on what we know. 

Sandy. What we ken ? Gin ye spelder what wee you ken, 
he'ven len' ye the glare o' sin to mak' a halsome show o' what's 
left. Why, Barney, ye canna forleet muckle mae an' miss the 
dolt catcher. 

Barney. Stilly mon, stilly. Is this wit, or something you've 
heard, and in the hearing lost its comprehension ? 

Sandy. Pray lud, ye mauna stent at sic lang words, ye might 



38 THE QUEENS. [Act i. 

split a gut, or swelt yoursell. Nay, Barney, hald ye rift to cool 
ye net speech. Nay, sic ye gie sic ye get. 

Barney. 0, let us be friends, and save our sharp tongues for 
those who would shame us if they could. 

Sandy. Ki't, Barney, ri't. Tak an affer an' 'gree, the low's 
costly. 

Barney. Say, overheard you the tilt when it laid on ? Or 
saw you but the smite ? How first it? Did the earl make some 
slip, such as praise a comely maid? Or did he trip and stir up 
yellowness by bilking to some new jade in sight of queen ? 

Sure, he has need of care, for when he's long away from court 
he picks up so much unfit for gentle ears, that I wonder he 
hath not more of the queen's resent. Sure, you folk at court, 
who make no long stay in outish lands, can keep your manners 
elegant. But say, Sandy, give us the bout, for I know I'll get 
it fine of you; and being so near the throne your say of cur- 
rents will lack the tint of brag, but have the glare of truth. 

Sandy. Weel, gin ye maun, this is how it came aff. Ye 
master speer the queen for sunkets at court for a friend, or sib, 
an' to beit the case he pu'ed the billy's braw sister in, an' 
mowsing o' her bonny face an' tydie body, as mon are wont to 
do, grew knacky o'er muckle while he prated o' her eens and 
lips, and e'en spoke o' ither charms. 

Now the queen, an' I'se hald ye leal that ye keep it whisht, 
a'ways forleets her havins when mon at court do praise a face, 
save it be her ain. Sae when they speak o' charms, whilk she 
but kens frae sic she sees on ithers, she looses quite her hald o> 
tongue, an' in the quiet o' speech gains pith o' spaul. An' sae 
it was when ye master strove to 'sist a friend, an' as a prop o' 
er-mou'd the sister's canty sell, the queen, mair mindful o' her 
ain loss than o' her laits, did fling the earl sic a flewitt that I 
amist feared he'd smite her back. But the blaw she pit was 
frae her right, an' when he saw her left on guard he hid his 
dirle, an' petted the stang in quiet. 

Barney. Is this the first, or has his lordship had other favors 
such? 

Sandy. First ! why ye fozy, toom pate must be stuck wi' 
fause eens gin ye see na ony the wow haviour about the court. 



Scene ii,] THE QUEENS. 39 

The earl's had feil sic taikens aff by tensomes. Why, nane 
amang the court, save ablins, Sir William, hath escaped, an' 
e'en he dinna sit wi' dull een to queen. Of truth, mon, gin ye 
ken it, ye'll find at court a swatch that takens them a'. The 
lasses hae lugs pu'ed out, while the gentles be garnished wi' 
clours 'an swells. Ay me, ay me, how wee the world kens how 
sma' a queen may be. [Sings. 

The brawl and groff that fishwv 's make, 
WhiTk proves them wanton doivdies bauld, 
Doth, ivhen glibly sung as royal prate, 
Twist sic clatter to queenly scold. 

Ken ye not, I be singer to the queen ? 

Barney. Singer ! God save the quane. Of truth, the Scots 
be the ban of England's sovereigu. [Bell heard without. 

Sandy. By me saul that bell doth ding the meeting o' the 
council. I maun to me duty, as the guid wife quoth when she 
whisked her spouse out o' bed. This meeting to-day hae 
muckle nuts to crack, sae I maun make ready for the wordy 
council. 

Barney. What say you of the stiff business the council will 
mull o'er 

Sandy. I canna afford ye baith tale and lugs. Sic as ye, guid 
Barney, mauna ken a' the council wage. 

Barney. Council! Sure and what do council mean? The 
great bugs plot and plan, then the small ones must pay the 
pence. To the devil, say I, with all this rule and sputter. You 
and I must eat our porridge just as thin, and cut our kilts just 
as scant. Sure we inside folk know how it's done, and the 
measure we make of the lords and ladies, would illy fit the think 
of the outer world. But mind your bell, mind your bell; as the 
priest said to the nun: There's two roads lead out — one to 
heaven, one to hell. So there be ! so there be ! Well, as saints 
do get askew and miss the road, I'll trust me own wit and 
make me own choice. Mind your bell, mind your bell. [Exit. 

Sandy. He's a hempy; he'll ne'er blin' his buff till the chat- 
tow do steek his mou\ He gesse to culzie me wi' his slidry gab, 
but I ken him as weel as gin I had gan thro' him wi' a lighted 



•40 THE QUEENS. [Act r. 

candle. Weel, hell mend when he grows better, lik' sour ale in 
summer. He has some wit, but a dolt hath the guiding o't. 

[Exit. 

Enter Earl or Leicester, Duke oe Norfolk, Earl of 
Sussex and Earl of Pembroke. 

Lei. True, my lord, true, this new turn doth bring with it a 
sorry gambit. Enough, already, had her majesty of trouble with 
the Scots when they kept their queen at home; but now the 
waif doth seek a shelter within her majesty's realm, the case has 
a most darksome look. 

Duke ofN. Has her majesty been informed of this new turn ? 
. Lei. A messenger did bring her the Scot's letter from Work- 
ington yesternight ? 

Earl of S. Workington ! Was it at that slip she did land J ? 
What retainers did she bring ? 

Lei. With little thought of queenly dignity, and less of 
womanly comfort, her passage over was in old Degg's fishing 
boat. 

Duke of N. Of truth this is a most sorry plight. How little 
we know what a day may bring. It seems only a season ago, 
so swift is time, that this young queen sailed away to the gay 
French court. Well do I remember how our late king made 
vain reach to stay her passage thither, even as the queen her 
majesty strove to check her coming back. And now, another 
turn of fortune's wheel, and lo, she sues at England's doors for 
favors. I do believe that fate has sadly mixed her fortunes up. 

Lei. Your Grace, you do exhibit more pity for her who hath 
ugly threat against the realm and our queen than caution to 
protect your sovereign. 

Duke ofN. Aye, my lord, but must one lose all sense of pity, 
and be dead to touch of heart, before he may have wisdom fit to 
give advice? Pray, do I slip my better thought of queen or 
realm when I do pity the distress of one misled? 

Lei. Take my advice, your Grace, and keep leagues between 
you and this fair lassie queen. For a heart so over soft, may 
melt at the light of those bright eyes, which they say the Scot 
doth flash. 



Scene ii.J THE QUEENS. 41 

Duke o/N.- Caution, my lord, comes well from you in affairs 
of the heart. But pray, if you have so much to give, would not 
prudence suggest that you keep a grain for use at court? 

Earl of S. Tut, tut, gentlemen. Let us rather think of how 
we shall spread this delicate matter before her majesty. There 
be good need that we do use such care as shall stay undue haste. 

Duke ofN. This unwelcome visitor hath, in her hasty flight, 
not left behind her queenly rights, and her very stress doth the 
more proclaim that we should make of this affair an opportunity 
to teach, as would right gladly please the queen her majesty, 
that subjects must respect their princes. 

Lei. How think you, your Grace, would you counsel such a 
reception to this broken queen as would offend the lords and 
estates of Scotland? 

Duke o/N. I would house and feed, as doth become a Chris- 
tian, any soul that doth crave so small a gift. But saw you the 
letter the Scot did send? What was its import? Was it as one 
who demands? or did she humbly crave? Is she broken in 
spirit, or still rides she her pride ? 

Lei. I myself read to the queen her majesty that where- 
with the Scottish queen did announce her coming. I make no 
fault with the letter, but I do lament me sore the need of the 
sending. She doth use a flood of words, plastered with high- 
sounding speeches. She doth rehearse the hot revolt and sud- 
den turning in her fortunes and realm. She prates of one Knox, 
and says he hath stirred up sedition; and then says her brother, 
the Earl of Murray, hath turned against her and the state. She 
doth give as a reason for her hasty flight, that she was deprived 
of the advice of her loyal council, and she also laments in tears, 
that she was forced from her lord and husband. 0, heaven! 
how low one may drag her sense of right to so far forget thy law, 
that she will seek to bolster the results of sin by pleading 
religion's need as excuse for wrong. 

Earl of S. She preach of husband ! The brazen wench! So 
little regard hath she for that good name, that she doth plot and 
plan to send her lawful lord and husband out of the world in 
dust and smoke, and then make quick haste to bed with his 
murderer. Had she more show of virtue, I should have more 



42 THE QUEENS. [Act i. 

pity for one so young, but she hath banished the sweeter thought 
of charity by her low traffic on her charms. 

Duke ofN. I have no thought to even condemn the faults of 
which you speak, my lord. We men are oft too prone to preach 
and slur, and take to ourselves a virtue not our own. Those 
who soil themselves by our help are full as pure as we who join 
in the soiling. We hold ourselves in proud disdain, and oft 
avert our faces at woman's plight; and yet the best of us but 
need the dark to smutch not alone ourselves, but those we sham 
to blame, and so become by our weak mockery weaker still than 
those we so falsely condemn. There never yet fell a throne of 
womanly virtue that went not down either to love or siege. In 
passion's sin two must trade, and if two sin, wist you which is 
the greater sinner, the one who sells or the one who buys? 

Lei. Your Grace, your pious words would fit our bishop. But 
are we here rather to preach than to plan? I feel it meet that 
we proceed with the business which to my mind is more of policy 
than morals. 

Earl of S. G-entlemen, as neither of you have the queen's let 
to preach, but rather her full desire to mind this affair, I pray 
you that we do so attend. 

Lei. Such is my choice. 

Duke ofN. For that end came I here by royal command. 
But we have no need, gentlemen, in our coming, to forget the 
good graces of our common blood. 

Lei. I have no desire, your Grace, to forget, but rather to 
learn. But this affair doth so disturb me that I do use the tools 
first at hand, that I may the better unwind this ugly snarl, to 
meet the wishes of the queen her majesty. 

Duke of N. We must so shape advice that naught shall be 
hastily done, and so counsel action that there shall be no need 
to make a move but once. No faux pas. 

Earl of S. From the tenor of the letter judge you that there 
was yet much in blindness, or did the Scot speak openly and 
frank? 

Lei. I have made some study of the letter, and I disguise it 
not from you, gentlemen, that it doth become us to look most 



Scene ii.] THE QUEENS. 43 

carefully to our every move, and not alone to our own actions, 
but also to the Scot's and her friends. 

Duke o/N. When is this matter to be brought before the 
queen ? 

Lei, This hour, in council, and I am Informed that you, your 
Grace, have been invited to consult with her majesty and her 
council. 

Duke o/N. I have been so summoned. 

Lei. It is her majesty's good pleasure that this affair shall be 
as quickly arranged as may be. For she doth rightly feel that, 
in dealing with one who makes so many speedy changes, there 
be most earnest need for decision while the Scot doth remain 
within decision's reach. 

Earl of S. Where lodges the Scottish queen? and who has 
she in her train ? 

Lei. At Workington, in Cumberland, at the inn of " Horse 
and Boots.'* But, as that hostry be not to her liking, she may 
make short tarry at so dull a place. Above sixty tailed after 
their flecked queen. 

Duke o/N. My Lord Scrope be not afar from that place, at 
his manor, Carlisle castle. He hath ever been mindful of her 
majesty's best interests, I trow. He would make good host for 
this most unwelcome, though needy guest. 

Earl of S. He has a most watchful eye, and there would be 
little hatching that would miss his ken. 

Lei. [Rings bell. Enter Page.] Say to the keeper of the 
council chamber, that he shall acquaint her majesty that the 
council awaits her pleasure. [Exit Page. 

Enter Sir William Cecil, Sir Christopher Hatton, 
Sir Thomas Smith. 

Earl of S. Gentlemen, we do now attend her majesty the 
queen. 

Cecil. Such is our intent. 

Lei. May our prayers keep step with our resolves. 

Duke of N. Let us go to the council, gentlemen, under- 
standing one another. I am here by royal command. I do but 
advise in the matter of the Scot. This is so new a turn, so rare 



44 THE QUEENS. [Act i. 

a hap. that we have good need for care, that we may draw not 
the eyes of those who would float their arms to answer affront 
to this unhappy queen, if unhappily affront should follow our 
action. This queen may have lost her throne, 'tis true, but 
methinks there be those even in her topple who would burn not 
a little battle to help so fair a beggar. 

Enter Page. 

Page. My lords and gentlemen, the queen, her majesty, 
doth await your presence. [Exit. 

Cecil. Gentlemen, we will to the council. 

Lei. Your Grace, I pray you, as you love a calm yet more 
than a blow, look to it that you praise not overmuch this 
northern dilling, nor speak of her graces to the exclusion of her 
faults. Between ourselves we may smack of charms, and even 
long a wee, but before her majesty, the queen, it doth become 
us, as we prize our skins, to be rather advisers, however thin, 
than playing gallants. 

Hat. Good Earl, your caution is finely shown, and you who 
have had so many marks of royal jests, do right well know the 
value of caution. 

Duke of N. I trust that if I pity, as any Christian may, I am 
not the less fit to advise with her majesty, the queen If the 
good earl hath need to restrain his overheat for bonny faces, I 
see not the force of his urging like bit on those who make no 
show of fire. They who cry in the market places, with much 
noise, their stock of virtue, are sometimes found poorly off in the 
light of inquiry. 

Earl of S. I fear, your Grace, that you slept not over well 
last night. 

Duke of N. The sleep was good, my Lord, but it is this rude 
awakening that doth disturb. But pray forgive this poor resent. 
I have but added another's stress to my own, and, by weak 
defense of self, made thin my attempted shielding of the needy. 

Lei. I did but speak advisingly, your Grace, yet meant not 
all I prated. 

Duke of N. I like not a glib, oily tongue, that doth bluster 
that whereof it has no purpose save sound. \ Exeunt. 



Scene hi.] THE QUEENS. 45 

Scene III. Council Chamber, Westminster. 
Queen Elizabeth and Council discovered. 

Q. Eliz. My Lords and Gentlemen: I desire that you list to 
the important matter that shall now be brought before you. I 
have thought it wise and proper that we proceed in this affair 
as doth become us as Christians who have been appealed to 
by one who is most grievously and sore oppressed. You have 
heard the letter read wherewith we were acquainted with the 
arrival of the heir of James V. of Scotland within our realm. 
A portion of this strange letter relates to matters that properly 
come before you, my Lords and Gentlemen, for consideration. 
In adjusting this unhappy business I ask you to measure well 
the distress and full circumstances of the sender of this un- 
usual message. 

Lei. May it please your Majesty, I did, with my Lords and 
Gentlemen, in a slight manner, discuss this affair, breaking to 
them such of the contents of the — — 

Q. Eliz. That you have done this doth show that you have 
not as yet outgrown your guardage. That I did so far forget 
myself as to make you privy to this delicate deal, doth but re- 
mind me that I have afore had occasion to remark en your loose- 
ness. 

Lei. I pray your Majesty that you do but consider to whom 
I did reveal 

Q. Eliz. What matter, I pray you, doth it signify to whom or 
when one doth blab the affairs of court? Had I meant to make 
public proclamation of this most skittish thing I should have 
announced it, and so have saved you the post of herald. 

Cecil. May it please your Majesty, as this matter has not as 
yet gained public ear, I pray you overlook this slight slip the Earl 
of Leicester has most unwittingly made. 

Q. Eliz. So oft have I to overlook these slips and haps the 
earl doth make, that I have good need to search for taller man, 
and so save you, gentlemen, and myself this oft reprove. 

Lei. May it please your gracious Majesty, I did but speak of 
this while yet we were waiting in t&e outer room, seeking thereby 



46 THE QUEENS. [Act i. 

to so acquaint his grace the duke, that when we had met we 
might proceed with that understanding that the gravity of the 
case did demand. 

Q. Eliz. How so? This, then, is another slip. You sought 
to so cut and dry, and make of this matter a pattern fitting your 
own sweet will, that the weight of my counsel would be but as 
seeming. Your explanations do but thicken your exposure. For 
yourself it would have been better had you but played the 
double with more of hush and less of blab. 

Lei Your Majesty, I am done. 

Q. Eliz. It were well that you were done before you began. 

Cecil. I pray your Majesty that we do proceed, for even now 
while we make play of words, she, for whom we would counsel, 
doth tarry not to her liking, and may change her decision, and 
so rob your Majesty of the opportunity that providence seems to 
have vouchsafed to place within your hands, one who, for the 
good of our kingdom and the peace and quiet of your Majesty, 
doth, indeed, need safe disposal, and such wisdom in the counsel 
of her affairs as shall prevent the spread of sedition and the up- 
rising of foes. 

Q. Eliz. It is my purpose, my Lords and Gentlemen, that we 
proceed with this matter at once. Why, if we are to judge by 
the volume of this strange letter, we have good need to be 
solemn in our actions. 

Duke ofN. May it please your Majesty, it doth seem that 
that which first demands attention is this show of real want 
which the Scottish queen has, with sad tale, made known. It 
doth not look that there be now so much need of deep and 
searching counsel, as there is want of new gowns for her, who 
in her wow flight hath dropped among us illy clothed. 

Q. Eliz. Pray your Grace, let not your kind reach for the 
proper false poverty of this motley-minded breed-bate make 
thin your better judgment. I trust that you will credit me with 
at least having mind for the comfort of the body of this mounte- 
bank, that doth ask so impertinently for alms. 

Duke ofN. It was my purpose, your Majesty, in alluding to 
this, to but display your goodness of heart, by directing atten- 



Scene hi.] THE QUEENS. 47 

tion to the fact that you had already met the full wants of her 
who did impetrate you so strangely. 

Q. Eliz. Have I so poor a reputation for gifts, and thoughts 
of others, that I do need, in my own council chamber, to be 
rudely heralded to the end that my subjects may be informed 
that I Jhave not forgotten a sister in distress? 

Duke ofN. It was my good purpose, your Majesty, not so 
much to note the need, as to infuse the spirit that prompted the 
relief into the discussion of this most important matter. 

Cecil. May it please your Majesty, it seems that that which 
first demands promptness in our action is, that this Scottish 
queen, and such as are with her, shall be more properly, if not 
more safely, housed. That she be in Cumberland, doth make it 
yet the easier for your Majesty to afford her such entertainment 
as doth not only befit her rank, but shall the better provide 
means for obtaining full knowledge of the movements of such as 
may attempt to hold counsel with her, who should be most care- 
fully watched. 

Q. Eliz. Where do she and her retainers lodge? Are we 
so informed? 

Lei. At Workington, where she did land, at the inn of " Horse 
and Boots." 

Q. Eliz. Ah me, how hath royalty fallen ! From the French 
gay court to Scotland's throne, then slip to way-side bush. 
True, she hath need of counsel as well as prayers. 

Earl of S. May it please your Majesty, it is not unknown that 
in that part of your Majesty's realm where the Scot doth rest, 
my Lord Scrope doth reside, and Carlisle castle is a strong and 
goodly place, where one even with a greater disposition to break 
might yet be held fast. 

Q. Eliz. There is wisdom in your words, my Lord, and as 
wisdom has been so scant a thing, I pray you gentlemen lose 
not time in acting on this, that you may prove that you know 
what wisdom is. 

Cecil. Shall then an order be made, your Majesty, that the 
Scottish queen and her attendants be conveyed and made the 
good care of my Lord and Lady Scrope ? 



48 THE QUEENS. [Act I. 

Q. Eliz. In her flight how many did brave her sinking 
fortunes, and trust their luck with hers ? 

Cecil. By courier we are informed that all told there are 
sixty odd, who, with more a show of faithfulness than judgment, 
leeched themselves to their fallen queen. 

Q. Eliz. Sixty! and I trow sixty as hungry Scotchmen as 
ever munched oats. So great a swarm of hungry mouths must 
not be thrown upon my Lord Scrope at once. In this matter I 
think there's wisdom in division. I pray you, then, that such 
among them as are without mark be hurried back, but such as 
are of some estate be quartered where the ear of this, their 
fallen mistress, be not yet within too easy reach, for it be wise 
if we be solicited to guide her fortunes while she doth tarry 
within our realm, that there be not over many to thwart our 
plans. 

Lei. May it please your Majesty, there be among this com- 
pany, which doth attend the Scottish queen, those whose 
youth and tenderness would suggest the propriety of affording 
them the protection of those who are sedate and discreet. 

Q. Eliz. This class among the Scots, then, have good need 
to feel affright did they know that you, my lord, had a voice in 
their protection. I trust, for their sweet sakes, that you may 
not feel that urgency of business would call your lordship into 
that part of the country where they now are. 

Duke o/N. The Scottish queen herself, may it please your 
Majesty, hath not yet so far succumbed to years that she hath 
lost that comeliness that would make a bounty in the eyes of 
evil; and so if she be bereft of protection while she doth dwell 
among folk not acquaint, she will need, to save her from uneasi- 
ness, your Majesty's order concerning her personal safety. 

Q. Eliz. Fig on her comeliness! Have I need to ask that 
my parliament pass some stiff act that shall throw about this 
falsing face a protection that my own ladies stand not in need 
of? I pray you good Duke, if this be the humor that doth run 
with your blood, that you do give more time to poesy than to 
affairs of state. But, I thank you that in this softness of speech, 
you have s<-t me good warning that not such as you should 
take into Cumberland whatever message we have to send. 



Scene hi.] THE QUEENS. 49 

Duke of N. I have but closely followed, may it please your 
Majesty, what I have learned of your sweeter will. If I have 
made poor slip, by shifting from your lips to mine a thought 
that did you honor, I pray your Majesty that you blame 
rather my lack of words than my perception of your royal good- 
ness of heart. 

Q. Eliz. Your Grace, you have, indeed, missed your calling. 
One who can so clearly read that which has not been expressed 
should lose no time in providing himself with an owl, a black 
cat, an empty skull, dress in green, cross himself, then cast the 
future for trusting fools. 

Duke ofN. So wide a field, your Majesty, doth your great 
learning cover, that your deep allusions are quite beyond my 
reach, and because you have such knowledge so well in grasp 
doth near urge me back to bench and birch. 

Lei. It is understood, then, your Majesty, that the Scottish 
queen shall be housed in Carlisle castle? 

Q. Eliz. Such is my pleasure. But it were better had you 
not known the lodging, nor yet the country. 

Let. I do know the country, may it please your Majesty, and 
there be few hills and valleys o'er which I have not followed 
my hounds in many a hot and galloping chase. 

Q. Eliz. See to it, my Lord, that both you and your hounds 
shall hunt no more in that fair land, at least until such game as 
you do mostly chase be safely housed. 

Earl of S. May it please your Majesty, would it not become 
your thought to make such provision as would meet the neces- 
sities which this queen in her letter doth so urgently disclose? 
Q. Eliz. This matter, my Lord, hath already been fully at- 
tended to. [ To Cecil. ) Make in your instructions that earnest- 
ness for her comfort that shall betray to Lady Scrope my desire 
that there be not over much time pass when she cannot, with 
good readiness, briug within her sight this flitting outcast. 

Cecil. It shall be as you desire, your Majesty. When I have 
the order prepared it shall be submitted for your approval. 

Q. Eliz. I pray you, go not out of the way to net for over soft 
words. There be such need for firmness in this matter that not 
one line should be writ down that the twisting of it would mean 



50 THE QUEENS. [Act i. 

aught than what we say; for so slippery a matter is this that if 
we nurse this stranger overmuch we may plant within our sides 
an ugly thorn. 

Duke of N. The kinder will that has so far made sweet and 
good your gracious reign, has not yet so far spent itself, that 
from very poverty, there needs be shut from this your order, 
your Majesty, some word of Christian tenor, that shall stand in 
sweet contrast, in your reception, to the barbarous coldness and 
heartless fury that has compelled this young queen to flight. 

Q. Eliz. Is there need for longer that you, your Grace, should 
prate and slabber such weak drivel, and thus display your 
chicken-heart ? If you have so much milk in your blood, I pray 
you seek a nursery, and there with sucklings creep and bilk, 
and lament the crushing of a fly. There is so much softness in 
your play at counsel, that, indeed, your words do sound like 
children at close of shuttle-cock. If you have so much heart for 
this fouty fallen drab, seek her out, and on bended knee make 
full display of your tender passion. Perchance this loose flirt-gill 
may turn to you, and with eyes swimming with tears, give, as a 
recompense for your girlish interest, a smile, or perhaps a chuck. 

But I have done. I pray you, Mister Secretary, make to me 
a fair copy of this order; and it is my pleasure that Sir Francis 
Knollys shall be the messenger who shall bear these instruc- 
tions. And further, this is my pleasure : Say to this Scottish 
outcast, that my ears are offended with the report that reaches 
me of her conduct, and the dark suspicions that do attach 
themselves to her in the manner of the taking off of her late 
lord and husband. Likewise, I am shocked at the unholy speed 
with which she did wed with the Earl of Bothwell. Say to her, 
when she has cleared herself of these and other dark and foul 
suspicions, of which the air is full, that I will treat with her for 
that protection which her case shall warrant. 

It is my pleasure that this message be despatched at once. 
Make no delay because of night. Furnish horsemen and such 
escort as shall safely determine the delivery of this most impor- 
tant matter. And it is my express command that I shall be 
kept fully and completely informed, not only of every act of you, 



Scene hi.] THE QUEENS. 51 

gentlemen, in this affair, but all rumors that the people do 
mouth. 

I shall summon presently such of you, my lords and gentle- 
men, as I have need, and I therefore ask that you tarry with 
that end in view. I have finished. 

Enter Keeper of the Council Chamber. 

Keeper. Your Majesty, I crave to announce that there be 
without a committee from your honorable parliament, and they 
pray that your Majesty do grant them a hearing. 

Q. Eliz. Admit them. My lords and gentlemen, remain that 
we may hear this committee. 

Enter Committee. 

Q. Eliz. Gentlemen, make known your message- 

Chairman. Most gracious Majesty, by vote of parliament as- 
sembled, and by its further direction, we do appear before you 
and most humbly crave your most gracious indulgence. 

Q. Eliz. Gentlemen, say on. Let this that you have to make 
to me be quickly said. 

Chairman. Your Majesty, that there shall be nothing under- 
said, and that we may make no loss of time by oversaying, we 
have thought it proper to set down in writing that which is the 
wish of your parliament. And that we may the better enforce 
the full meaning of the sentiment that hath invoked our pres- 
ence, we would crave permission to read to your Majesty the re- 
solve passed. 

Q. Eliz. Gentlemen, let not this interview be overlong. If 
the weight of your communication be right and agreeable, it 
will gain nothing by overmuch speaking; if it contains that 
which hath in it matters not pertinent, it were better that you 
left it unsaid, and that your assembly use their time in marking 
the boundaries to Hick's field, rather than importuning your 
sovereign. 

Chairman. We have, your Majesty, but our duty to perform, 
be it ill or pleasant, it is not of our choosing. 

Q. Eliz. You have my permission to read 

Chairman. [Beads.] May it please your most gracious Majesty. 
Your parliament in assembly, with most anxious hearts, and full 



52 THE QUEENS. [Act I. 

sense of your good, hare thought it fit and proper to express to 
your Majesty their wish and most earnest desire ; that happily 
you may find it in your mind to accord with them, to the end 
that there be yet more quiet in your realm by reason of the 
peacefulness of your reign, and the hope that it may be con- 
tinued by yourself, and in the end be further continued by your 
most blessed and devoutly desired rightful heir. To this end 
your parliament would most earnestly pray that you do, of your 
own free will and choice, select from among those of loyal blood 
and goodly line, a lord and husband. 

Q. Ellz. So my parliament would force me to marry ? I sup- 
pose before your reading is finished it will appear that your most 
audacious assembly has instructed you to season your bold, 
brazen address with a dash of threat. I pray you, gentlemen, 
twist your courage, and out with it, that I may the better make 
answer to the whole of your fat address rather than a part of it. 

Chairman. For this, your parliament would pray and beseech, 
with no thought save your own happiness, and safety of the 
realm. And your parliament would further pray that you do 
take this matter under advisement right speedily, to the end 
that you make choice of a lord and husband, loyal and true, so 
that by the blessing of Almighty God you may present your 
loyal and happy subjects with a rightful heir. 

Q. Eliz. I would not interrupt, save that I might remark, 
that your importune for my marriage doth bear with it yet a 
still further bit, that I shall become a mother. Think you not, 
gentlemen, that this is a matter not within the province of your 
great body to settle ? I have no experience in these affairs, yet 
I would be greatly astonished to be informed, even by your 
august fellows, that conception may take place by act of 
parliament. I know, gentlemen, that your house be almighty 
pert and gush, but I fear you have taken unto yourselves far too 
high a degree of importance. If I mistake not, the matter you 
do so glibly spread doth the better rest, as heretofore, in the 
hands of God. 

Chairman. If it shall please your Majesty to signify your 
compliance in this most righteous wish of your people, it has 
been voted that your parliament do grant to your Majesty the 



Scene hi.] THE QUEENS. 53 

full amount asked for in your royal demands. If, after due 
reflection, your Majesty shall not find pleasure in a compliance 
with the expressed wish of your parliament and people, it has 
been voted that the allowance asked for shall be withheld, in 
part, at least. 

Q. Eliz. So ! so ! my sense did not play me false. I did, 
then, sniff this, your trick. So you would force your sovereign. 
Gentlemen, return to your house. Say to parliament that, as 
they have retained a part of their senses, and did not seek to 
force upon me, their rightful queen, a husband by name, nor yet 
so far forget themselves as to fix a date which, in their great 
minds, should be the limit of my singleness, I do answer to their 
broad address, that I will take the matter, of which you speak 
so freely, into my mind for reflection, and, if I can be made to 
feel the need of this which you have pregaged to deliver to me, 
I will inform your honorable body. Say to parliament that I 
am not pleased that they have thought it fit and proper to 
attempt to force me, their rightful sovereign. You do make 
your base threat of withholding the just and righteous demands 
of the'throne a lyam, that you may therewith drag or drive me, 
your queen, to meet your sturt orison. 

Eeturn to your house, gentlemen, and say to my parliament 
that I am no stupe, that I do need advice on the matter that 
they have so much ranted over. If my parliament has no better 
use for their time, they might, with good grace, rap their office 
for more deedful labor, and so save themselves this over-strain- 
ing. Gentlemen, you have discharged your supposed duty, and 
as there remains nothing further for you to communicate, you 
may retire. 

Chairman. Doth your Majesty, then, consent to the with- 
holding of the allowance ? 

Q. Eliz. I consent to nothing. When I have had further con- 
ference with my council, I will send for you. In the meantime, 
pray betake yourselves to your duties. You may retire. 

[Exeunt Com. 

My lords and gentlemen, we may not prolong this sitting. I 
will confer with you after this matter has by myself been con- 
6idered. 



54 THE QUEENS. [Act i. 

Force me ! This is indeed strutting highness ! This is puffed 
littleness grown big by feeding on its own tough conceit. To 
the devil with parliament, and their milky threats ! When I 
need the ornamental consort of a man I'll have one made, and 
so meet my fancy's desire. Men nowadays are so loosely flung 
in nature's mold, and grow so twisted by unsafe lunes, that a 
woman, who bargains for the loan of their company through 
life, must needs have more stiffness than doth stay a queen to 
rule a kingdom. [Exit Queen. Exeunt Council. 

Scexe IV. A Street in London. Earl of Leicester's house right. 
Enter Baexey. 

'Barney. Whoop ! Stiddy top, stiddy. Sure you're tripping 
me pins. Swaddle, daddle, walk straight or straddle. Belly- 
ful, woful. A lout holds so much, a lord can hold no more, and 
both are twin fools when noggy full. Sure I've good, fine com- 
pany to-night. I'm fall, but the high old moon's fuller yet. 

Sure I must keep both eye and lugs well out for the watch. 
Devil take the watch! Was ever a land like this? Here's 
a gentleman who, as is his good right, hath made merry with 
his sweet friends, and now, forsooth, when he would to bed, 
and doth by grace have the company of the parish lantern, he 
must needs sneak and spy like a river thief, and all because he 
hath sung a stirrup-verse over longy to toy his cheery mates. 
To the devil with the watch, say I; to the devil with the watch. 
Whoop . 

Who watches the watchman? Who oaths whether he be 
noggy or neat ? Sure where he's wanted most he never is, and 
when its better grace that he stay away, he's thicker than bees. 
This be a strange slip of right. Here these bashy hangbys, in 
their fine becomes, click their gilt for padding, while I, every 
whit as much a man as they, if I be caught out over late, must 
needs be stocked for doing what they make their betters fee 
them for. 

Wide and long, deep and high; tide comes in and tide goes 
out; bloaters float, but the slim must swim. Big fish eat the 
little fish, and the devil gets the fat. 



Scene iv.] THE QUEENS. 55 

moon, moon, moon! What makes you so sheen? The 
scullion that shines your jowl has a jovy high job. 

Softly, here's master's house. Jumbals to nuts he's as full as 
I. Sure here's another slip of right. When he's full he's laid 
atuek, while I must go to bed end-for-end, head down, feet up. 
Heads is it? Sure his head'll be as puggy as me own next 
sun-up. 

Enter Watchman. 

Watch. Stand! 

Barney. Stand is it? Let them stand what can, I can't. 

Falls down. 

Watch. By my word, good man, had you as much strength 
in your legs as you have in your breath, you had need never to 
fall. 

Barney. Breath is it ? Why man, my belly is no proof to my 
standing. Howbeit, in thy country do leeks make a man ? 

Watch. No, not leeks, nor yet leeks when well mixed with 
that which hath taken away thy sense, doth make a man. 

Barney. Praith thee ! Where did'st thou learn what makes 
a man? Is that a part of thy calling? Sure, if that be, then 
indade thou art fitter to be her majesty's chief justice. 

[ Watchman blows a whistle. 

Enter Second Watchman. 

Second Watch. What have we here ? 

First Watch. That which when the rightful be in, is a man, 
but now at this unhappy hour, he hath made change, and in the 
making hath so lost his self that he indeed doth but wear the 
clothes that would become a man. 

Second Watch. Come fellow, come, who are you? 

Barney. Praith thee what's o'clock? 

Second Watch. Never you mind the hour. 

Barney. 0, time's no matter to me, but when my royal 
pompous here did ask, as any honest man might, who I was, I 
would truly, as doth become a Christian, tell him who I am; and 
as what I am is but the larger growth of what I was, so 
between what I am and what I was doth such fatness lie that I 
have good need to know the hour 



56 THE QUEENS. [Act i. 

First Watch. Come, my fellow, come, you talk over-much. 
If you could walk with your mouth, you'd have been well home 
now, even had you lived in Shore Ditch. 

Second Watch. If you have no better account to give of your- 
self than this gust of balder words, there be nothing for us to do 
but walk you in. 

Barney. Walk is it! Sure, have you with you an two pair of 
legs? I have so little hope in these dabby ones of mine, that I 
think 'em more for show than use. Sure ! and it do become me 
that I am proud of their good mold, but, by me faith, I would 
have yet more pride in them, if I could break them of this habit 
they have of losing their straight- up and strength when I do 
most need them. 

First Watch. I think I know this man. He belongs to the 
household of the Earl of Leicester. 

Barney. How know you us folk at court ! Sure, I thought 
that eye of yours had got its pop from peeping, and that red 
head would indade give you favor, were it not that with the 
quane, red is dowdy. 

Second Watch. No slurs, my man, no slurs to her majesty. 
If you do belong to the household of the earl, your slandered 
legs have far more wit than your noddle, for they have wallowed 
you to your master's door, and that you have so good a master, 
we'll save him the disgrace of 'porting you muzzy. 

Barney. Sure, you've had a dab of court holy-water, and it 
hath balmed thee; gunpowder with thy beer would stand thee 
better. 

First Watch. Let us arm him, and so round to the servants' 
door and then knock up the butler. [They take Barney up. 

Barney. Sure the rich may ride, but it takes a cob to stride the 
quane's watch. Gentlemen, will your stent end when you've put 
me a bed, as they do the earl when he's naught ? I wish thee 
good night, bright moon, good night. [Sings.] Fing, ding, to 
the moon I sing. Good night, all night, full moon. [Exeunt. 

Enter Felango, cautiously. 

Fel. So long has that drunken brawler blocked the way that 
It's now past the hour when I did appoint to meet the earl. I 



Scene it.] THE QUEENS. 57 

trust that sleep bath not so dulled his ears that the signal will 
not assail them. [Strikes three times on the ground. 

Enter Leicester. 

Lei. Piano ! This brawl and tumult will so keep the neigh- 
bors' ears alert that we have need of caution. 

This wherewith I now acquaint you needs your utmost wari- 
ness, and that there be no slip, I pray you give good ear to my 
instructions. First, it is my desire that you ride to Workington, 
in Cumberland, to-night. To do this you have been named as 
one of the guards that shall accompany Sir Francis Knollys. 

Eel. Maestro, this be bat-fowling, of truth ! I had but just 
the matter well in hand that did concern Lady Alice, and by 
your blind order, sent her good, slack lord into Durham, and so 
made clear the field for your lordship. 

Lei. I ! that be but weeds beside the corn I would now garner. 
This easy game will do for leisure times ; but look you, here's 
no lesser fruit than queenly plum, which by rudely winds has 
been detached from its supporting limb, and dropped, plump 
and fresh, at our very feet ; and we have but to stoop to pick 
it up. 

Eel. Be there reason, Maestro, for my starting at once? 

Lei. Yes, Felango, at once. And of reasons make no fear; 
I will supply them. Look you! At council to-day his grace, 
the Duke of Norfolk, was over soft toward this young snipped 
queen who has dropped among us so strangely. If I be good at 
guessing, the duke has more water in his mouth than grace in 
his heart for this vender of charms. His warm pleading did 
book for me the cue I needed. What he doth chatter at I'll 
gamble for. And as he is one of the slower sort, and will wait 
him for light-o'-day before he moves, I, who have learned pru- 
dence in my Cupid's wars, will plan by day and fight by night. 
And now, as I must needs keep eye on matters here, I bid you 
fly to where the Scottish queen doth rest, and then fully 
acquaint me with every move she, and those who are with her 
do make. 

Eel. Is it your purpose, Maestro, to give me full measure of 
the ends in view? Is this an " in " or an " out " ? 



58 THE QUEENS. [Act I. 

Lei. Neither yet an " in " nor an u out " j but I would so 
hedge my knowledge with understanding that I may with fore- 
warning act. 

Fel. Shall I go armed, Maestro, as one who would remove 
such bars as may hap ? 

Lei. How much of arms you prepare is a matter for your own 
decision, but, as you are a Christian, there should be no striking 
in this affair, except to preserve self, and do my bidding faith- 
fully. This, then, is your mission : Learn who goes to the Scot, 
as well as the full import of their business. Let nothing come 
from her, either to her own people, or to the queen our mistress, 
that you do not know the full measure of. I have little need to 
tell you how to gain the ear and lip of the under help ; one so 
skilled in sucking and bolting has little need to list to instructions 
from me in this. 

Fel. How Maestro, is this information, when obtained, to 
reach your Lordship? The comes and goes would make the 
betweens so long that I would do little else than ride. 

Lei. I will send with you my man Bowe. Make careful seal 
of that you would return, and so disguise the pack that it shall 
not awake suspicion. But in all these matters your full ac- 
quaintance with the needs will make to you good suggestion for 
their fulfillment. It may please the queen our mistress to 
change her royal guest from where she now is to yet another 
lodgment. If this be so, her change is yours. Should I need you 
here in town, I will so inform you, when you are to return at 
once. 

Fel. [Taking out a purse.] Maestro, the slimness of this 
good friend doth suggest massing 

Lei. Had I more leisure I would give to your accounts that 
scanning which they seem to demand. When we have this peat 
well in hand they shall receive my attention. Add this to your 
skimmings [Gives him money], and heaven help me if I get not 
back richer returns than the last allotment. 

Fel. Mayhap, Maestro, you may find an agent that would have 
the will to do your bidding, and still have such honesty in pence 
that your questioning would be yet less than your directions. 

Lei. 0, prate not of your morals now. Such as you have in 



Scene iv.] THE QUEENS. 59 

store you better need than I. Pray hoop your conceit, and lend 
your spirit more to this affair, and less to bolstering up your 
virtues. 

Fel. This be a poor hour, Maestro, to enter just with me. If 
this matter which you now do entrust me with merits a fair set- 
tlement, there be little righteousness in asking your steward to 
pay for wines he may never taste. I do but make a trade of my 
small part, and if I do ask such render as you would but give any 
faithful scrub, I have not stepped beyond the bounds of yet good 
ask or fair plenish. 

Lei. There, there ; the hour be late, and already the clatter 
of hoof doth warn us that the troop would start. Make quick 
change and be off. Master Gray will mount you, and as he has 
been instructed, will make small interference with your move- 
ments. See to it that you ride not near the link-men, this bus- 
iness needs not over much of glare on it. Now, go. Keep fear 
a stranger and caution a bed-fellow. If you must spit, spit with 
the wind. Eat light, drink lighter, sleep lighter still. Let your 
ears stand sentry over your mouth, and your eyes guard over all. 
Be a gib by night and a man by day. If you know any charm 
that's good as wit, take it with you, but still let wit be master, 
and jingle your charm for grace. Do you know a prayer ? Say 
it while you ride; for when you come to business you will not 
find it of a prayerful kind. Now, go, and make such hush of 
your going that you shall lose your very shadow — Basta. 

[Exit Felango. 

Now, my fine lady, it is my turn. You thought it as adding 
to your dignity to spurn my offer. Now the asker shall turn, 
and, spurning thee, make thy plight his opportunity. Gay and 
handsome, I? Men dance to you, they say. Well, let us see 
who will do the dancing now. You will have good need, un- 
crowned queen, to make your prayers to heaven more from heart 
and soul than from gilded portace, for I, who have been a cully 
in days agone, am now in form to make my gifts worth the ask- 
ing, and woe to you who have incivil been. [Exit Leicester. 



ACT II. 

Scexe 1. Boom in Carlisle Castle. 

Mary Queex of Scotlaxd and Maid discovered. 

Enter Lady Sceope. 

Lady S. I trust, your Majesty, that you will find good ease. 
and so nurse the present comfort, that it will stay a fresh re- 
membrance of your trials. 

Q. Mary. I have, forsooth, good need to hold an' keep a 
leash upon the awsome past, and so muster my better thoughts 
that they may dwell on the present alone; an' so soothe memory 
that its stalking ghosts may hie away to Lethe, an' let me palm 
this new sweet rest upon mine aching soul. 

Lady S. Will your Majesty make further suggestion for quiet 
and ease? 

Q. Mary. Almost this good comfort doth surfeit me, in that 
I have this unremembrance o' my leal friends; and do now bask 
in a warmth that doth shame by thought o' their impending 
wants. 

Lady S. Your Majesty need not so sore lament your good 
friends, they have, by the queen's command, been both carefully 
housed and comforted. 

Q. Mary. I most lament me that I do loll in this soft ease 
with no mind for others. Had they as unmindful been o' me, I 
would have so far missed this sweet fare, that in its stead I 
should now have been in bonds. This dulcet feast would gall 
my graceless lips, had I not your ladyship's good assurance they 
felt no need. 

Lady S. This tender thought doth well become your Majesty ; 
but I pray you, slur not the present comfort by overweight of 
wilfulness for friends. Their needs have met full satisfaction ; 

60 



Scene i.J THE QUEENS. 61 

and you do make most of comfort for them by surrendering your- 
self to your present rest. 

Enter Page. 

Page. Please yer la'yship, me lud say me ter say ye wi' his 
hereabouts, an 7 ter say that he hae in his presence an ameer 
frae the court o' her majesty, the queen. An' me lud bid me 
furthersum ter say when yer la'yship wud make ter him yer say 
for his speech wi' yersel. 

Lady 8. I am instructed, your Majesty, that my lord and 
husband, together with Sir Francis Knollys, who, by the queen, 
her majesty, hath been sent, do await your most gracious 
pleasure. 

Q. Mary. So sore hath my heart grown that I do shrink at 
this weighty message. 0, that I could barter all this queenly 
care for some day-maid's ease. Throne, crown, scepter, robes, 
alas ! how vain are these ! In the last great sweeping up such 
poor toys shall mingle with the vulgar dust o' earth's forgotten 
joys, an' I shall have only left at last my small acts an' deeds to 
buy or lose heaven's eternal bliss. But pardon me, my lady, I 
will hear these gentlemen at their good pleasure. 

Lady S. Announce the gentlemen. [Exit Page. 

Q. Mary. Whatever fate hath in store for me, whether o' 
good or ill, I shrink no more. If there be in this a hope for bet- 
ter days, I do already too long delay. I have so oft eagerly 
waited for the unfolding o' a hope only to see it fade, that I do 
need the strength o' trust to stay me now. 

God, take from mine heart this vain struggle; too long have 
I sought to master fate. Give, give in exchauge for my feeble 
strife, that sweet trust in Thy dear love and care that doth 
satisfy and fill. 

Enter Page. 

Page. Sir Francis Knollys an' me Lud Scrope. [Exit Page. 
Enter Sir Francis Knollys and Lord Scrope. 

Lord S. May it please your Majesty. I am commanded of 
the queen, my mistress, to present to you this gentleman, who 
doth bear from the queen, her majesty, a commission, addressed 
by name to this gentleman, Sir Francis Knollys, and myself. Of 



62 THE QUEENS, [Act ii. 

the full import of this commission Sir Francis will acquaint your 
Majesty. 

Q. Mary. As one who needeth sore the sweet proffer o' a 
friend, I welcome this gentleman, and yourself, my Lord, with 
the hope that you do bring me balm. 

Sir F, I am directed by her majesty the queen to convey 
to you her tender wish for your welfare, and to make known to 
you the full expression of her pleasure, touching the letter you 
did send her majesty. That I may not forestall your judgment, 
or bolster your expect by seeming promises that our mission 
and message are twins of sweetness alone, I would declare, 
flatly, that whatever words I may say must have in them but 
the deep concern that the queen, our mistress, doth feel in this 
affair, that doth so greatly affect, not only the realm, but for- 
eign states and princes as well. For there be those who have 
no mind to regard, save with misunderstanding, her majesty, 
the queen, our mistress, in all that she doth attempt for the 
good of her people and realm; and in her strivings for sweeter 
concord with neighboring princes, but would missay quickly 
any move touching your affairs that had not their full approval. 

Q. Mary. I bespeak you, sir, that I have not taken unto my- 
self, nor am I likely to take, more o' a hope for gladness than 
would meet the need o' one who doth faint for friendly counsel. 
Alas, sir, so few the joys that come to me, that I should, indeed, 
be poor at schooling did I look for sweetness in affairs of this 
nature, when so few pleasures come even from more hopeful 
sources. So long have clouds o'erhung my sky, that I have 
grown a stranger to the sun of peace, an' now amid the fogs o' 
doubts an' fears, I blindly grope for a hand I may not touch. If 
this, sir, which you bring me doth have in it a still darker 
weight than that which has so far ridden my grief-shot heart, I 
pray you exhibit it, for so tired have I grown, an' grief hath so 
worked me frail, that even if you do bring but a slighter weight 
of disheart, I fear the fount may break, an' in the breaking set 
free a spirit that hath known no freedom, save in its trust in 
God. 

Sir F. It is not my purpose, madam, to so conduct this inter- 
view that it shall be one of reminiscences. But the past has so 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 63 

over-lapped the present, that there be not a few matters that 
prudence can but suggest a better understanding of. Your let- 
ter to the queen our mistress was first read privately then 
before her honorable council. 

Q. Mary. Had I known that my poor missive would have as- 
sumed the dignity o' a paper o' state, I would have made yet 
more careful selection o' the words wherewith I did betray my 
stress, for such haste did oppress me, that my letter was far 
more a cry, than an orderly recital o' the announcement o' one 
queen arriving in the realm o' another. 

Sir F. Such as your letter was, madam, it conveyed to the 
queen our mistress a fall understanding of your present situa- 
tion. Your private history had, alas, become so public a play- 
thing, that you had no need to write down more of the causes 
that did haste your flight. 

Q. Mary. 1 withdraw all parley, an' will give you, gentlemen, 
such attention as your message shall meed, an' my welfare 
demand. 

Sir F. That we may the better understand one another, and 
avoid the employment of words, that from their very number 
may miss the meaning we would convey, I will shoot the tide by 
launching out, and so reach the very heart of the matter. 

Q. Mary. Alas, sir, I trust that you do not make play o' 
words, an' so fling the phrase, heart, as to mean for me further 
hurt. 

Sir F. I fear, madam, that I am poor at poesy speech, and 
lest my attempt to be plain and fair be further turned, and make 
a prick of that which I would have soft and tender, I'll speak 
outright. 

Q. Mary. I am listening, sir. 

Sir F. The queen our mistress hath deemed it right and 
prudent that, before she doth offer you further assistance, or 
stand as sponsor for your cause, you do submit to her full answer 
to the charges wherewith the world at large hath made tax on 
your name. 

Q. Mary. Charges, sir ! I did not know, until informed by 
yourself, that I was charged by the world at large with aught 
that taxed my good name. What, sir, is this that you do so darkly 



64 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

hint at? If answer be required to clear murkness from my 
reputation, I would right quickly make it. 

Sir F. If, madam, your answers be as earnest as your 
efforts to dibble, you might, of truth, satisfy the queen our 
mistress by a straight denial at once. As you do ask plainly as 
to the charges, I will answer plainly. First, then : As to the 
manner of the death of your late lord and husband, Lord Darn- 
ley. Rumor doth say, with how much truth I leave to your own 
soul and your God, that you were privy to his untimely death ; 
and that those who did stain their hands and souls by the 
unholy deed were known to you, and that the act was approved 
by you. 

Q. Mary. Sir, if this be the thickness o' the queen my 
cousin's reception, I pray you let me depart at once; for I would 
by grace have better fate to trust myself in the hands o' my 
friends, even in my distracted realm, than to place myself in 
the power o' one who hath harbored this foul suspicion against 
her sister an 5 next o' kin. If this blot be laying, in all its ugli- 
ness, athwart my soul, it were a most unholy show indeed, that 
I should raise my then unshameful face an' crave e'en the pity 
due a dog. 

Lord S. That there be need for a full and free answer, your 
Majesty, to these most darkly charges, must to you seem fully 
warranted. If you are innocent in your soul, as you say, and 
as your lips so quickly proclaim, you need have small fear; for 
if these foul rumors be but the sting of weak scandal, or the 
sleet of foes, you need no great denials to hush them. We read 
that the well need not a physician, but tbey that are sick. If 
the ugly fame that doth so affect you be but of such substance 
as doth make the weight of troubled dreams, you may hear and 
make good answer, and give full satisfaction to the queen, our 
mistress. 

Q. Mary. It doth grieve me most that this hearsay should 
so have found lodgment in the mind o' the queen my cousin, 
that I have need to macerate mine heart to prove this awsome 
murkness is foreign to my soul. 

Sir F. The queen our mistress hath reserved, as is her 
right, her judgment as to the sleet and slime that have come to 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 65 

her on the wings of vulgar report. It is but meet that, having 
been pained by the recital of the rumors touching yourself, she 
should now ask for such assuage as the proofs you say you can 
adduce may afford her. 

Q. Mary. Sir, it doth not please me that the queen my cousin 
doth require that before she may house me, or afford me needed 
protection, I do drag the sorrows o' the past before the 
whole world. That persecution hath ridden hard along my 
track doth not license any, queen or common, to foul their 
thought o' me by harboring a belief in deeds so black as is this 
monstrous slander. 

Say to the queen my cousin that I came not here for trial, 
an' if I had, the common laws o' justice would withhold judg- 
ment until after pleading. I ask naught o' her save that enter- 
tainment that one may find at better inns. If she hath not the 
grace to grant me this, I will seek in less coldy lands that wel- 
come due a Christian in distress. 

Lord 8. Tour Majesty, you have forgotten that it be not be- 
coming to the queen our mistress to treat upon this matter, 
which doth not only closely concern our realm, but also foreign 
states and princes, until she hath a full and satisfactory answer, 
upon which she may base her actions in this your case. 

Q. Mary. Treat ? Pardon me, your Lordship, have I made 
such careless use o'ruy tongue, or hand, as to give you gentlemen, 
or the queen my cousin to understand that I desire to treat 
with you, or her, as ambassadors do? You mistake, your 
Lordship, I do not ask your queen to interest herself in mine 
affairs. I have simply been thrown upon your coast, an' am 
like a ship-wrecked mariner, an' only ask that kindly assist- 
ance that your honest shore-men would give to any storm- 
tossed soul. Is there need, in giving so small a gift as a 
cup o' cold water to one that asketh, that it doth require a formal 
treaty ? Is there need, gentlemen, that before your queen my 
cousin can offer to exhibit her Christian charity, she doth re- 
quire of me a rehearsal o' my purely domestic affairs ? I pray 
you, gentlemen, return to the queen your mistress an' say to 
her, that I will not vex herself, or her council, with my temporary 
distress. I think there be those in my company who are able to 



06 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

make the ordinary returns for such entertainment as we have 
had, or may need, for the few days we shall remain in your 
realm; an', when I have counseled with my friends, if they 
should not deem it expedient for me to return to mine own 
country, I will make good their better directions, an' seek quiet 
and rest at a more friendly court, where there be less o' orncious- 
ness an' more Christian grace. 

Sir F. Coming as you did, madam, and acquainting the 
queen, our mistress, with your arrival in her realm, has, both by 
common law and the laws of states, invested her with full and 
complete authority to proceed in this matter with that gravity 
that the situation demands. We have not been delegated, nor 
is it our wish, to force you to comply with the queen our 
mistress' simple suggestions. 

Q. Mary. Force ? This I did submit to when my very weak- 
ness did both prevent me from resisting, an' gave the cowardly 
opportunity. I had thought that this very weakness wuuld save 
me from further show o' force here. 

Sir F. The queen our mistress hath heard, and the same 
hath been reported to her officially, that after your late lord and 
husband's death, you did submit to the embraces of the Earl of 
Bothwell, and this, too, before that season which law and com- 
mon decency do prescribe as fit and legal. The worth and 
weight of this foul slander, if such it be, you wot better than 
any. Marriage is honorable, this we all 

Q. Mary. Sir! This is most unnatural, o' truth. I have so 
far kept in check an indignation that you seem to have done 
your best to loose. How far I may be able to control myself I 
know not. The queen my cousin, if she be deeply concerned 
in matters o' embraces, hath small need to go beyond her own 
court to satisfy her curiosity. I do fear me that she doth make 
this keek inquiry more to gain variety than to accomplish that 
which you seem to suggest. 

/ F. .Madam, the subjects of the queen our mistress do 
not incline, nor dare they, brawl such speeches as you have just 
committed yourself of. What her own subjects are by law and 
decency restrained from doing, an uncrowned, loosely heralded 
foreign stranger should not dare to utter. 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 67 

Q. Mary. The recital o' my misfortunes should, to gentlemen 
o' blood, afford me that protection that I do seem sadly to have 
missed here. 

Lord S. Madam, we have our duty to perform, and as I have 
afore said, if these unpleasant rumors be not true, there be no 
harm likely to follow, if you do consent to permit the queen our 
mistress to act as your arbitrator. As you are a person of 
quality, you should judge that other lands and other peoples 
will think themselves of this matter. 

The strangely unsettled affairs in the kingdom of Scotland 
seem not over likely to become peaceful in a day ; and as you 
have yet deep interests in that kingdom, your standing before 
the world should be made in as good a light as may be. 

That the queen our mistress hath ears is not in our land 
counted a sin, but if she have ears, and give no attention to the 
intrigues of neighboring princes, and yet more especially such 
as are her next neighbors and near of kin, she doth sadly miss 
that wisdom which is so becoming a mighty prince, such as 
she is. 

Q. Mary. Gentlemen, if this matter be stripped o' the words 
an' usages o' courts, an' stated as man to man, plainly, what 
then be this that the queen my cousin doth require ? 

Sir F. Madam, it be required, as is right and proper, that 
you do permit the queen our mistress to make full inquiry into 
the truth or falsity of the serious charges against you laid. 

Q. Mary. Already, sir, in the very beginning you are too 
broad. If it must needs be that the queen my cousin would 
perform my laundry maid's work, I do much prefer that she 
shall cleanse my linen singly, piece by piece, an' not by one 
quick plunge attempt to do that which from her very niisunder- 
standing she may misdo. 

Sir F. Madam, you have asked that in discussing this, your 
sad case, we refrain from the use of court language and etiquette. 
In granting this, are we to descend to vulgar drabbish babbling 
in arranging this affair? 

Q. Mary. Pardon me, gentlemen, if this, my allusion, was 
unsavory. I did but try to match the requirements. 



68 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

Sir F. I fear, madam, that to prolong this interview would 
deprive us of the presence of a lady, and submit us to the pain 
of treating with a vulgar. 

Q. Mary. That there be two o' you doth give you an advan- 
tage which, added to the heartlessness o' your instructions, 
forces me to display weakness, I admit. 

Sir F. Already too long have we ridden over barren fields to 
chase game not to our liking. If you have no mind, madam, to 
hear us fairly, and answer the queen our mistress graciously, 
there be but one course open to us as commissioners; that is, to 
proclaim you and your blind followers as lawless invaders, land- 
ing upon her majesty's domain without her let. And, if it doth 
please your temper to slight her courtesy and refuse her most 
righteous inquiries, we are instructed to impeach your further 
movements, and restrain your correspondence. 

Q. Mary. I did more than half guess me that with her usual 
pseiido generosity, the queen your mistress would offer me 
succor, an' then, as a return, force me to meet her hard demands. 
Under the thin guise o' friendship an' charity, she now offers to 
shelter me, on conditions that I do place myself in her power. 
As you count it sedition for me to speak my mind freely in this 
matter, I can only say, that were the queen my cousin in my 
place an' I in hers, I would not make for her so hard a task for 
so small a favor. 

Sir F. Madam, will you make to us, direct, such an answer 
as we can make to the queen our mistress direct? 

Q. Mary. I will, sir, when you have as directly acquainted 
me whereof I am to make answer. 

Sir F. That you may not have even this poor excuse, madam, 
I will repeat. First: You are charged with a foreknowledge of 
the murder of your lord and husband, Lord Darnley; and sec- 
ond, that you did, with unholy haste, wed with the Earl of 
Bothwell, knowing him to be the cruel instigator of the murder 
of your lord and husband. Also 

Q.Mary. Gentlemen! Enough! Enough! Spare me, 1 pray ! 
Tf I be guilty o' but one o' those crimes, I am no longer worthy 
o* the consideration o' even the most heartless. If these liggs 
have gained such currency as to so affect my good name, as to 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 69 

thus compel the queen my cousin to these hard measures, I am, 
gentlemen, ready to wash the stain out, if happily I may, by 
mine own denial an' the proofs o' my friends. 

Lord S. At last your Majesty has struck the better thought 
that did urge the queen our mistress to make this wish. 

Q. Mary. Then I pray you ; gentlemen, let us to business. 

Sir F. [Writing at table.] Do you, madam, make formal 
denial of the charges mentioned ? 

Q. Mary. My G-od ! My Grod ! I do ! I do ! [Crosses herself.] 
I pray you, gentlemen, make no stop ; let this unhappy business 
be quickly despatched. But see to it that you do inject nothing 
more hurtful than your commission doth call for. 

Sir F. And you do, of your own free will, consent and ask 
that the queen, our mistress, shall make full inquiry, by her 
proper officers, into the charges and unpleasant rumors that are 
mentioned in these instructions? 

Q. Mary. I do consent ; but, sir, write it not down that I do 
consent o' mine own free will. If there be need o' this most cold 
business, I pray you, as we are Christians, let us write down no 
liggs. 

Sir F. You do, then, consent? 

Q. Mary. That I do consent doth not carry with it that I do 
consent o' mine own free will. 

Lord S. Your Majesty, this strange hesitancy would not plead 
over well for your innocency. 

Q. Mary. My Lord, I pray you to consider I am alone. There 
be with me no friend or adviser to whom I can turn and say: 
" How shall I make answer f " Alone ! Alone ! My God, alone ! 
and so sorely pressed. How know I that in my consenting to make 
the queen, your mistress, mine arbitrator, I make her not my 
gaoler, an 7 mayhap my executor ? If I do hesitate, think, 0, my 
Lord, think of my utter loneliness. 

Lord. S. Your Majesty, the queen our mistress doth bethink 
herself of your comfort and safety 

Q. Mary. Safety! My Lord, safety? If she hath in her heart 
a single thought o' my safety, she hath, alas, made a most un- 
happy showing of its good proffer. 

Sir F. I have, madam, written that you deny the charges 



70 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

heretofore mentioned ; and that you do ask the queen our mis- 
tress that she shall appoint and convene a commission, which 
shall make a full inquiry, to the end that you may, as you claim 
you can, satisfy the world of your innocency. And that you do 
hold yourself in readiness to answer to the queen our mistress 
at such time and place as her good pleasure and the ends of jus- 
tice shall determine. 

Q. Mary. 0, gentlemen ! Mine heart doth ache to cast 
among your hard legal words some speech o' woman's tender- 
ness ; but as such poor weakness doth not become so stiff a 
paper, I pray you remember something o' the stress in which 
you find me, an' make o' the best I may have said, something 
that shall display a sweeter ending o' this cold reading. 

Sir F. It doth require, madam, that you affix here your legal 
sign. 

Q. Mary. Do I, sir, sign this which be not yet mine own 
words ? 

Sir F. I did acquaint you with the full import of the writ- 
ing, and did but set down your own asking. 

Q. Mary. It do matter little. If this be my quietus, it may 
be a happy despatch. So sorely am I pressed that if this do 
express the knowledge o' mine end, it shall be a relief to know 
even this o' a surety. [Signs. 

Sir F. Madam, there be no further need vexing yourself. 
My Lord and Lady Scrope will, by the queen our mistress' 
command, afford you every entertainment. Your people have 
been housed, and you have yourself but to rest content until 
this your case can be adjusted. My Lady Scrope will shield you 
from every intrusion, and so minister to your comfort that you 
shall not regret that providence hath given you so sweet a 
hostess. 

Q. Mary. [To Lady Scrope.} 0, I pray you, give me but 
the touch o' thine hand, that it prove to me the coming o' a 
little rest. Speak some word that may happily be the key that 
shall unlock the store-house of my tears. 0, if mine eyes 
would only swim, mine heart might sail into a quieter sea. 

I pray you, my lady, touch me as you would your own child; 



Scene il] THE QUEENS. 71 

say to me some sweet word that shall quiet this sad tumult o' 
my poor soul. 

Lady S. It is over now, your Majesty. [Bowing to Sir 
Francis and Lord Scrope, who retire.] Here by ourselves we 
may find sweet release from the burdensome cares that oppress 
you.' Forget now, your Majesty, this cruel necessity. Eest 
here, and I will make to you such play of good words, that you 
will but hear, as in the dim distance, the mutterings of this 
harsh affair. 

Q. Mary. It doth grieve me, your Ladyship, that I have thus 
made you partner o' my woe. 0, that I might have strength to 
bear ttis mine affliction alone. God, if I do shrink, an 7 almost 
rebel at this bitter cup, I pray Thee remember mine humanity. 
Blessed Saviour, grant me the sweet uplifting o' thy love. 
tender Virgin, give me the fullness o' thy petition. 

I am better now. Let me seek the quiet o' the apartment 
you, my Lady, have assigned me ; and there let me with my 
God alone work out this mine hour o' trial. [Exeunt. 

Scene II. Boom in Westminster Palace. 

Enter Countess of Nottingham. 

Countess ofN. How much of life, how much of joy has this 
poor driven queen now made loss. In my memory I do picture 
the shatter of her days. Of royal blood, and so kindly touched 
by gift of God, that form and face do right well merit love's 
kindest office. Yet here she is an outcast ; broken by those who 
should mend, rent by those who should cheer ; without a land, 
without a throne, without a home. Ah me ! Ah me ! How sad a 
plight is this; wrung by despair, haunted by fear, pursued by 
guilt. How far, alas, hast thou, Queen, missed the sweet of 
thy woman's part. A wife, and yet unwed, a mother, yet un- 
loved. The saddest thing that hath yet befallen thy poor 
woman's heart, is thy great loss of mother-love. God, make 
for this poor soul thy light of peace to good that whereby she 
hath lost. 

Enter Maid. 

Maid. May it please your ladyship, her majesty doth 
approach. 



72 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

Enter Queen Elizabeth. 

Q. Eliz. What hour is it? I am so worn and so grieved at 
heart, that I do find yet more comfort in this, my awake, than I 
found in my useless wooing of sleep. Ah, me ! Amid this pomp 
and all this power, how tied and useless are my hands. 

I saw Hester's nurse to-night kiss and lay baby Beatrice down, 
and then the mother came, and with that sweet softness, which 
is more a badge of woman's love than is yet this mighty scepter 
that I sway, she caught and transferred to her loving heart the 
baby's tender form. I turned me away, sick at soul, for in that 
smile I saw and felt my loss. The saddest chamber within my 
heart must remain unfilled. How much I have missed, and 
turned aside by my own selfish pride ! But there be yet left me 
this sad comfort of review: what I have missed must be meas- 
ured by what I have gained. For thee, England, I hush the 
yearnings of my heart, and so, hiding beneath a smile I do but 
assume, I make a color of that which to me is white as death. 

[To Countess of Nottingham.} Countess, why did you not 
signal your presence? It is, indeed, well that I have made but 
trial of my scholarship, in rendering into English that which I 
had read in outish tongue. 

Countess ofN. I pray, your Majesty, that you do acquit me 
of the sin that your words do imply. I but saw your Majesty, 
and in the onset, made notice that you did not address your 
words to me, and so closed the avenues to my senses. 

Q. Eliz. I pray you let not this affair rest as a burden. That 
which I did rehearse was some nightmare, written by some 
early Latin, love-sick poet; and so poor a sleek have I made of 
it that I fear the silly dolt would not know his dull lines from 
my poor rendering. 

Countess of N. What is your Majesty's good pleasure? The 
fatigues of the day do so haunt you that you have, indeed, good 
need of rest. Let me, I pray you, bring you some softer gown, 
and then with suggestion of a happier thought, perchance, 
launch your troubled heart out into the peaceful sea of sleep. 

Q. Eliz. How know you I ;mi troubled? In my face do there 
grow lines that mark the tramp of care? 



Scene ii.] THE QUEENS. 73 

Countess of N. Nay, your Majesty, I have oft heard it re- 
marked, and by older heads than mine, that there n'er yet was 
seen a face that so well bore the trials of a crown as doth the 
kindly face of England's queen. 

Q. Eliz. Heard you this? or is it some sycophantcy that, 
ready made, you keep to serve as wit shall prompt? 

Countess of N. Of truth, your Majesty, not once but oft, 
have I heard foreign ministers, and even princes, remark how 
well you stood the cares of realm. 

Q. Eliz. [Aside.] Alas, prince nor minister hath seen, nor 
known, my aching heart. Well, be this as it may, I make no 
complaint. If the years do sap my youth, they shall fill the 
store-house of my age, and that which I give up of face or form 
shall come to me again in the thought that I have tried to do 
my duty, and this shall be a recompense for seeming loss. 

Pray observe if his grace the Duke of Norfolk hath yet left 
the palace. 

Countess of N. I will, your Majesty. 

Q. Eliz. Out of the North, out of the East, come thou who 
doth bring in thine embrace destruction. 0, turn from me this 
awful hurt that doth haunt me like a ghost. [Takes paper from 
her bosom.] These are the directions. [Beads. 

At two burn the yellow, at three burn the green, at four burn the 
purple. 

0, if this last fail me, then I have, indeed, need to make good 

search for other shifts. [Burns the yellow paper in the light. 

Turn and twist, tremble and ivrithe. Yellow burn ! burn I burn I 

[Takes burnt paper and throivs it from her. 

Into the South I cast thee, return no more ! 

Eve burned thy color in fire, 
Eve scattered thy ash in air, 
Help me now, fates, 
And save me from despair! 
0, if this bring me not that peace which I do so sorely need, I 
fear good Doctor Dee hath missed the charm wherein he had so 
fine a promise. I make no complaint. God grant me that I do 
so sorely need. 



74 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

Enter Countess of Nottingham. 

Countess ofN. May it please your Majesty, his grace the 
duke of Norfolk doth yet attend, as by your royal word, and he 
doth await such commands as shall please your Majesty. 

Q. Eliz. Say to his grace that I await him here. I do but 
require that you direct him. [Exit Countess of N. 

Now must I make such a use of words that this over-tender 
duke may turn his softness into such channels as will save his 
judgment for my strength. I think me that he hath good 
honesty in his heart, and if I can but bend the tenor of his ways 
so that he shall feel the common need rather than the stress of 
one who has not the good of the realm at heart, I shall have 
done that whereof I do feel the weight of state doth demand. 
Why should he pant to succor this outcast, who with plaintive 
wail doth thrust the asking palm? I shall strive to save his 
loyalty from too great a strain. 0, that I had eyes that now I 
could scan the leagues between this doxy queen and me. They 
say she hath a lovely face, and a form that doth fire even foes. 
Ah me! ah me! God help the English fogs that they do spatter 
that fair skin until it shall breed on its luscious whiteness a 
score of ugly warts, and fade her soft, pink blush to a pale, 
dingy gray. 

I have need to work a change in the mind of this tender duke. 
Why, he doth even babble in praise of this flirt-gill at my very 
face. 

Enter Duke of Norfolk. 

Welcome, your Grace. Pray be seated, I will detain you but 
a few moments, happy if in those few moments I may make sucli 
choice of words as will fully acquaint you with the gravity of 
the charge I would now make to your Grace, and whereof I 
have felt compelled to require your presence. 

Duke of N. I await your Majesty's pleasure, and I do bring 
with me a heart singularly tuned for your Majesty's sweet com- 
fort and peace. 

Q. Eliz. If fairness of speech, your Grace, proved your 
loyalty, traitors would drop dead at the sight of your shoes, and 
your morion would turn an army. 



Scene ii.] THE QUEENS. 75 

Duke ofN. I am pleased that your Majesty doth rate my 
loyalty from my feet up, for now that I have removed my head- 
piece, I stand with loyalty on my feet, and might in my hands, 
and trust that I may make so good a sign with my lips that your 
Majesty need not miss the fullness of my heart in its devotion 
to your royal person and your cause. 

Q. Eliz. If I credit but half your words, your Grace, I have 
no need to feel dread that I may over-tax either your friendship 
or your loyalty. 

Duke ofN. Your Majesty doth confer in your good opinion 
praise beyond my desert. 

Q. Eliz. I have sent for your Grace in that I do most fully 
trust the wisdom of your acuteness. It is my desire that you, 
with my Lord Chief Justice, fully acquaint yourselves with the 
laws of states touching this affair of the Scottish queen, now 
abiding within our borders. Leave no point undiscovered; 
and see to it, as doth become loyal subjects, that every turn be 
carefully guarded ; for this matter is one of such delicacy that 
combined wisdom is right fully needed to avoid unseemly slip. 
When you have well mastered the points in this business, I pray 
you confer with me again, for this deal will not brook delay. 
On the return of Sir Francis Knollys, we must be fully prepared 
to act at once upon any condition of affairs that he shall report 
to us. 

Duke ofN. It shall be as your Majesty doth command. I 
will make sleep a stranger to mine eyes until I have fathomed 
the rule touching this matter. That I may the more lawfully 
act, your Majesty, and in acting exhibit my authority, should 
not the right, as attested by your royal seal, be mine for favor? 
And further, should not your honorable council be informed of 
my hand in the adjustment of this most taint affair? 

Q. Eliz. Your suggestion, your Grace, has already been 
acted upon, and my secretary has prepared an order which only 
needs the royal seal to become a command. This, when pro- 
claimed, shall give you full authority in relation to this whereof 
I have summoned your Grace. 

Duke of N. Pray, your Majesty, no longer so divide the 
hours of night that you do rob yourself of rightful sleep. This 



76 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

affair is so well in hand that you may retire now, feeling that 
those who love thee will watch your interests, even while 
your tired heart is lulled by the consciousness of your well 
acquitted duty. 

Q. Eliz. Thanks, your Grace. Do you, too, seek that rest 
which you yourself must need after the fatigues of the clay. 
Peace go with you. Au revoir. [Exit Queen Elizabeth. 

Duhe of N. Sleep dear Queen, and may sweet angels bring 
thee light to see thy duty, and strength to do it. God send thee 
quiet of soul, and rest of heart, and wisdom to know the better 
part. [Exit. 

Scexe III. Council Chamber, Westminster Palace, London. 
Council discovered. 

Cecil. My lords and gentlemen, we may not proceed further 
in this matter without the presence of her majesty, the queen. 

Smith. May not we now acquaint her majesty of our presence? 

Cecil. [To Page.] Say to the keeper of the queen's chamber 
that he may announce to her majesty that the council awaits 
her pleasure. [Exit Page. 

Lei. My lords and gentlemen, may we not now speak with 
such earnestness as shall exhibit to her majesty, the queen, our 
deep concern touching the great need of moving at once in the 
case of the Scottish queen, and the matter of the hearing ? 

Smith. If to move quickly is to move unlawfully, I pray you, 
my lords and gentlemen, that we make a virtue of slowness. 
We may have less display in caution than in precipitance, but 
caution doth better become statists, while haste may curtain 
wisdom and shift justice. 

Lei. Far be it from my intent to counsel an act unlawful. I 
did but imply that we make such haste as would assure us a 
defendant when we had named a day for the hearing. I have, 
I trust, not missaid in my effort to advise. 

Smith. Not missaid, my Lord, but from your dilogy speech I 
did not catch your full meaning. [Enter Page. 

Page. Her Majesty, the Queen. Gentlemen, the Queen. 

Enter Queen Elizabeth. 
Cecil, Four Majesty, we do await your gracious pleasure. 



Scene in.] THE QUEENS. 77 

Q. Eliz. Pleasure ! my lords and gentlemen ; my soul doth 
make the hope that you have brought this rare commodity with 
you, or happily you may make discovery of it mid my over- 
looking. 

Cecil. Your Majesty hath indeed sweetest pleasure, and doth 
liberally bestow it by the permitting of this audience. 

Lei. Heaven in its shower of blessing hath indeed been most 
liberal to your Majesty, and so graced your royal person with its 
tokens that the silent sense of your presence doth crown the 
now as king of pleasure. 

Q Eliz. Had I my back turned to you, my Lord, and were 
your voice less familiar, I might have thought I heard the truth, 
for so cunning do you gild your flattery that it were almost a joy 
to be the target of its shafts. You, and such as you, have so soft 
a speech in seeming, that your very falsity doth assume the form 
of luxury; yet your words, to those who understand, are but the 
shadow of the sweet they sound ; still so weak are human hearts 
that they do prize the deception, knowing that they are being 
fed with weakest pap. 

Lei. Your Majesty, if happily in my strivings I have so far 
answered my desires as to even seem that for which I so eagerly 
contend, I am the better encouraged to so shape my acts that 
my seeming may grow to such a degree of reality that your 
Majesty shall finally credit me with honest endeavors to serve. 

Q. Eliz. If I did not know that your time, when out of eye, 
was mostly spent in ends not fully public, but yet not unknown 
where least suspected, I should ween that you made such store 
of honeyed words as would make you good game for bees. 

Lei. Not alone, your Majesty, have you stored the stock of 
bees in honeyed words, but you have borrowed not a few of their 
stings. 

Q. Eliz. If these stings were indeed my only weapons they 
would leave me quite defenseless, for your armor of flattery would 
turn even sharper halberds than stings. 

Cecil. May it please your Majesty, I have brought with me 
the papers relating to the Scottish queen. 

Q. Eliz. Gentlemen, please be seated. What new turn has 



78 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

this affair taken ? The assent of the Scottish heir to the hear- 
ing in her behalf has not been advantaged as yet. 

Cecil. Tour Majesty, the assent hath been so far amended 
that it doth now assume the form of a request for a redraw of 
the agreement. 

Q. Eliz. How so? I did fear this. Does my cousin repent 
her that she did entrust this matter to our hands? 

Cecil. I fear, your Majesty, that the Scottish queen has been 
so wrought upon by those whose interests are not akin to your 
own, that she doth repent her aforetime decision, not so much 
from her own thought as from the urging of others. 

Q. Eliz. My poor cousin be, indeed, sorely pressed. I pray 
you, my lords and gentlemen, in considering this lame affair, 
that you be not unmindful of the loneliness of her who seeks of 
us advice and guidance. Think you well first, on the frailty of 
humanity, and then the weakness of this storm-tossed soul. 
As far as her acts do effect the realm we may judge them by 
the laws provided for such cases, but there is a court, my lords 
and gentlemen, that shall even with greater justice measure her 
deeds, and not hers alone, but ours also. 

It is my pleasure that this hearing be kept from every 
semblance of oppression, and that we do so proffer fairness that 
judgment shall not miss approval. I would have you find in 
this case an opportunity for the full breadth of your Christian 
virtues. I know no better rule in the judging than to so show 
your justice, that were you the judged you might well approve 
the fairness, if not the verdict, of the judges. 

Cecil. Your Majesty, the propriety and sweetness of your 
counsel doth well admonish us to use fairness, and urge us to 
charity. In the contemplation of this matter, and assaying a 
better understanding, it doth become us to no longer avoid 
meeting a necessity. If the Scottish queen be, as she claims, 
innocent of the charges against her, she has small need to fear; 
but we would give to her, by your Majesty's command, the 
noble gift of a full vindication, if her innocency shall merit it. 

Q. Eliz. How think you, my lords and gentlemen, shall this 
matter be the better righted? 

Smith. As you have, your Majesty, so far tempered your 



Scene hi.] THE QUEENS. 79 

counsel with sweet compassion, and folded your directions in 
tender charity, it doth the more fitting seem that your Majesty 
shall order and convene a commission empowered to hear, not 
alone the accused, but the accusers. 

Q. Eliz. I, myself, have had this thought, and to this end I 
would hear suggestions. 

Cecil. Your Majesty, in matters of this nature it has been 
deemed proper that there be suitable bounds set to the answer 
of the accused to the charges. To excuse the act of a day, one 
need not be called upon to explain the folly of a life-time. 
These charges are so properly headed, that to meet them would 
be, when fairly answered, good basis for verdict. 

Q. Ells. Such details as do involve legal procedure I leave 
to the proper officers to insert, who are better advised, withhold- 
ing alone my sanction to over harshness. 

Lei. I have matured a suggestion, may it please your Majesty, 
that I crave the honor of advancing. 

Q. Eliz. Say on, my Lord, remembering that this affair is to 
be heard in the halls of justice, and not in the courts of Venus. 

Lei. Your great learning, your Majesty, doth equip your wit. 
My suggestion doth embrace the convening of a commission 
which shall be fully authorized to command the presence of the 
Scottish queen, and request the attendance of her accusers. As 
the matter under consideration relates entirely to a question of 
personal rectitude of the accused, but still has such far reaching 
effects as to involve political ends, it would be meet that the in- 
quiry extend not only to the charge already made and prepared, 
but with the addition of a clause looking to the attitude of the 
Scottish queen as to her supposed rights of succession. 

Q. Eliz. I pray you, Mister Secretary, that you draw up, as 
is becoming a paper of this character, a statement which shall 
include my pleasure as to the convening of this commission. 
When this shall have been finished, I will name the gentlemen 
who are to compose the assembly. It is my pleasure that this 
commission shall have its duties so defined that they may es- 
cape in their actions an over show of hardness. 

Smith. That it doth please your Majesty to so soften these 
most important directions, that they shall attain the desired 



80 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

end with as little hurt as is possible, doth, indeed, credit well 
your heart, and add to your wisdom. But, if I be not 
over forward, I would proffer the introduction of clauses looking 
to caution, for it be well known that this person who has volun- 
tarily requested your Majesty's action as her fautor, doth lack 
that steadfastness that would rightfully assist in the just ends 
you have in view for her own betterment, and the safety and 
peace of your realm. It be necessary, therefore, that the decis- 
ion of this hour shall be so carefully framed that it may not be 
set aside, either by the craftiness or willfulness of the faultful 
and designing Scot. 

Q. Eliz. Better justice would demand that this hearing 
should, as far as possible, lose its appearance of a trial, and but 
be that which it really is, a hearing. 

This dethroned queen doth not stand as doth a criminal, but 
rather as any one, queen or common, who asks our assistance in 
a matter where we are to act as becomes Christians who would 
temper justice with mercy. These foul rumors, which do so offend 
and grieve us, may or may not be true, yet common justice to 
ourselves and to our realm would demand, and must have, a fair 
understanding of this most grievous question. We may not 
know the whole of truth from the proposed hearing alone of 
those who make accuse; nor is it right to give judgment until 
the accused herself has been heard, either by her own pleading, 
or the testimony of such friends, if happily these she may have, 
who be willing to proffer some kindly word that may lighten the 
weight of reproach. 

Lei. Your Majesty has so well outlined the course which wis- 
dom doth approve that the task of preparation is light. There 
remains now, your Majesty, but the naming of the court to com- 
plete the full arrangements for this important hearing. 

Q. Eliz. I pray you, my lords and gentlemen, that you re- 
tire to the office of state, and there prepare this affair as doth 
become papers of this kind. It is my desire that you acquaint 
me with the full reading when drawn. [All rise. 

Cecil. It shall be as your Majesty desires. I will submit it for 
your approval when rightfully drawn. 

( L ). Elie. I would have you immold not a little tenderness 



[Scene hi. THE QUEENS. U 

and compassion into your stark, legal paper. The juste milieu 
is the better. My lords and gentlemen, you may retire. 

[Exeunt council. 
How swiftly flow the moments of the day. Action makes the 
hours seem short. To those who wring under sorrow's infliction 
the moments run with sluggish drag, if they feed the time on 
their grief alone, but if they mold their heart- aches into acts, 
and shape their sorrows to trend the events of the day, they will 
rather seek to stay the moments than note the slowness of the 
hour. 

Enter Eael of Leicestee. 

Lei. Your Majesty, I do return that you may make to me the 
fulfilling of the promised grant of a free and unrestricted pass, 
and your gracious permission to follow my own bent, touching 
the matter of watching and crossing the plans and ends of your 
enemies, who seek to advantage by the Scot's presence in your 
realm. 

Q. Eliz. My Lord, if I do grant to you this carte blanche, 
how know I that you will not use it to my hurt \ 

Lei. Tour gracious Majesty, only this: Look with your deep 
searching sight into the chambers of my soul, and there read 
the unselfishness of my purposes, and the honesty of my aims. 
I do but ask this that I may the better protect your Majesty's 
interests, and keep informed of the moves of your foes. With 
this, your permit, I need not inform other gentlemen of the 
council when I feel it is for your interest to act, and thus pro- 
ceed as your agent alone. Did I not know, your Majesty, that 
you fully trusted me, I would not ask this thing. But with such 
a bond between us you cannot doubt me. No ! The swimming 
of your eyes brings in the tide of your sweeter self. I am 
answered. Tour honest eyes have spoken quicker than your 
truthful lips. For your people and yourself, whose interests I 
serve alone, I thank thee, my Queen ! For myself, I can but 
ask that you read in my eyes the full answer of my souPs thanks 
for your renewed trust in me, your slave. 

Q. Eliz. Won again! won again! Foolish woman, weak 
queeu. Tes, as you will. So now, as it always was, soft speech, 

6 



82 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

soft act. Follow me, and I will make to you the fulfilling of my 
promise, if I harden not in my walk from here. Lead on, lead 
on. Poor fool of a queen, how you do barter the graces of your 
station for this thin seeming; yet so starved is my heart that I 
do go blindly, knowing that I am but duped, while I make a 
treasure of that which, had I the real, I would spurn to hail. 

[Exit Elizabeth. 
Lei. First the heart, then the will. If heaven's joys could be 
had by lover's suing, I might gain eternal bliss by my play at 
wooing. 

[Exit Leicester. 

Scene IV. Great Hall, Buckingham Castle. 
Enter Servant. 

Servant. This grand room, which hath so oft tossed laugh 
about, and made echoes of boisterous mirth, is now to be saluted 
with graver preach. See, here will sit my lords and gentlemen, 
clothed with dignity and wrapped in power, grave as owls, with 
intent within their hearts, and purposes high or low, which none 
but God may know. And here the broken Scot will take her 
place, and strive, and plead, and make denials long delay. 
There's something strangely out of place in making this gay hall 
a scoring-room. 

Enter Sir William Cecil, Earl of Leicester, Sir Chris- 
topher Hatton, Earl of Arundel, Earl of Pembroke, 
Sir Thomas Smith, Sir William Tait, Lord Clinton, 
Duke of Norfolk, and others. 

Cecil. I pray you, my lords and gentlemen, be seated. If 
there can be comfort in this unhappy business, pray tax your 
ingenuity and find it. 

Lei. One can hardly expect to find even ease of body, when 
the mind is so disquiet. 0, that the world would make its peti- 
tions to heaven so earnest, that they might draw from the throne 
of God such a desire for rectitude, as to escape the sin of hot 
ambition. 

Duke of N. Ambition, my Lord, whether hot or cold, is a 
plaything that not a few have toyed with. Those who have 



Scene it.] THE QUEENS. 83 

been most successful in its direction, are those who have shaped 
ambition most for other's good. 

Ration. My lords, there are so many kinds of ambition, that 
I do tire in my efforts to make a proper rate. I know an earl 
whose ambition's in his buskins, and with such labor doth he 
adjust the coverings of his feet, that, indeed, his ambition hath 
bent him sore. And I know a lord whose ambition for set of 
breeck hath so taxed his brain in contrivance of look, that he 
hath crossed both his eyes in spying set of seat. And other men 
let ambition run to hose and ruffs. And women folk, heaven 
help mc find the pitch, have so much ambition in cut and fit, 
farthingales and bishops, without a word of puff and stuff, that 
by my rapier, in ambition's train they lead the march. 

Duke of N. What vast difference there be, gentlemen, in 
measuring ambition's end. Some men aim under ambition's 
goad to stride a kingdom; while another, with full as much 
strain, may cope with the latitude of a feak. He who sees in 
ambition's field the gateway to a fortune, may, when he's forded 
o'er the moat, assail a gaudy bubble. To-day may prize an act 
that to-morrow may stamp as treason, and to-day's treason may 
be to-morrow's devotion. 

Clinton. My lords and gentlemen, are we here to soliloquize 
on modes and follies, and guess at life's poor tangled riddle? or 
have we met by royal command to regard the affairs of state i 

Lei. [To Norfolk.] Your Grace, a word with you privately. 
That we may the better adjust this affair so as not to discover 
the purpose of our intent, I pray you that you make listening 
eloquent, and speaking a rarity j for, however carefully you may 
shape your words, the delivery of them will betray your heart. 
And, if it come to points over soft, avert your face, that your 
eyes may not play you betrayal. 

Duke of N. I trust, my Lord, I shall not lose sense of my 
duty in the depths of my emotion. I have so cultivated my 
instincts that my faults do not herd as wolves with my better 
desires, and so prey upon them that I may become bewildered 
in an honest cause. Such leaning as I have toward the Scottish 
queen hath the assurance of my approval, and my approvals are 
the fruits of my intercession with God. 



84 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

Lei. Your religion, your Grace, may indeed serve you well 
at church, but in matters of this kind your dependence should 
be more upon wit. 

Duke ofN. I will follow your directions, my Lord, so long as 
they lead to the hill of right, but when they pad the valley of 
doubt, I shall trust alone to the sense that never played me 
false. 

Lei. It is well, your Grace ; let us to the hearing. 

Cecil. If you have done your fine speeches, my lords and 
gentlemen, we may try the virtue of compliance with the queen's 
commands. [To Serv. ] Acquaint my lord the Earl of Murray 
with our readiness; and with our compliments, say to my Lady 
Shrewsbury that her charge may be forthcoming. Gentlemen, 
my lords, I pray you that in this matter we do follow the direc- 
tion of her majesty the queen; and that we may escape dis- 
order, let us move straightly. 

Enter Earl of Murray and Lord North. 

Earl o/M. Me lords and gentlemen, we salute you. 
Cecil. I beseech you, gentlemen, that you find comfort, at 
least such as this distressing affair may afford. 

Enter Mart, Queen of Scotland. [All rise. 

Madam, such accommodations as the queen our mistress has 
provided, we offer you. Pray be seated within the inclosure. 

Q. Mary. Why this inclosure? I am not a criminal at the 
bar. My presence here is in violation o' my protest. 

Cecil. I pray you, madam, protest not in the beginning over- 
much; for this convening is, indeed, the outcome of your own 
request. 

Q. Mary. I did, sir, make mine earnest while in the maze o' 
bewilderment, but in a more fortunate season I did seek to with- 
draw my consent, but was so hotly refused that the naming o' it 
was counted an offense. 

Ilatton. You should not, madam, forestall judgment by be- 
littling your judges. 

Q. Mary. My judges ? My lords and gentlemen, this assem- 
bly or any part o' it is not o' mine own choosing. The rule at 



Scene iv.] THE QUEENS. 85 

common law would hold that even the meanest should in trial 
be voiced in selecting his jurors. 

Lei. Madam, this is not a trial. The graciousness of the 
queen her majesty hath, in royal goodness, afforded you this 
opportunity of acquittal, if happily your denials be of that 
weight. 

Q. Mary. That I am not charged with wrong should estop 
trial. One may not deny, at least without danger o' suspicion o 7 
guilt, that wherewith they have not been lawfully charged, note 
you, my lords and gentlemen, lawfully. 

Earl of A. Madam, the putting down of the charge was a 
matter intrusted to proper hands. The denial of the knowledge 
of the charge on your part doth not speak well for the strictness 
with which you may answer the inquiry. 

Q. Mary. I am, my lords and gentlemen, alone. I would 
not so display a plea for pity as to wry your judgment; nor 
would I ask other forbearance than that which one Christian 
should give to another. But my very loneliness doth warn me 
that the lines o' my speech must run in directions not heart- 
ward, but rather in sterner moods as may the better make for 
me a force o' pleading that shall stay myself an' cause. 

Duke ofN. My lords and gentlemen, that we may not take 
over advantage, I pray you that we proceed first upon the mer- 
its of jurisdiction, which, if it hold, we may then proceed to the 
os of the matter. 

Earl of A. The principles of law would make no question of 
the jurisdiction, your Grace ; the command of her majesty the 
queen has affirmed that, for it is based on a full knowledge of 
the statutes. 

Q. Mary. The queen your mistress hath small right to at- 
tempt to force me against my will, seeing I am no subject, to in 
any manner answer slanders that the harboring o J doth ill be- 
come her, and which are but weakest hearsay. 

Cecil. Our loyalty to her majesty the queen would halt 
seditious speech. 

Duke of N. My lords and gentlemen, I trow there be need 
for a most careful beginning in this case, to the end that we 
meet the full approval of our own consciences, and likewise the 



86 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

fair assent of the party most interested in the hearing, that we 
have acted justly. 

Madam, howbeit, there be not a few among your own people 
who hold the scandals wherewith you are charged of sufficient 
weight to be admitted as true. And yet I am in honor bound, 
as doth become fairness, which I would make my chief stay, to 
declare unto you that the proof of your guilt is not now strong 
enough, at least at this distance, to warrant the just in accept- 
ing the full burden of the grievous reports objected against your 
good name and fame. I hold it not as a secret that I have 
within my own heart such whisperings of doubt as do most 
earnestly plead with my sense of justice for a fuller hearing. 
And there be those assembled with me here, by the queen's 
command, who are nobles and gentlemen, who have, as was 
right and proper, acquainted me with their like feelings. That we 
may, therefore, madam, the better tend to the solution of our 
own doubts, as well as to assist you in the establishment of your 
innocency, we would pray that you waive your claim as a 
princess, to the end that as queen, not yet without hope of 
restoration, you may silence slander and shame envy. 

That you have not an advocate of your own choosing, doth 
the better testify to the confidence of the queen our mistress 
in the fairness and uprightness of these her chosen commission- 
ers, who, by her royal command, would, without prejudice, 
arrive at such a conclusion as shall establish and maintain amity 
and sweet friendship between the queen our mistress and your- 
self. 

Make, therefore, no further objection, but lend us that kind 
aid which shall happily discover the grounds of your innocency, 
and the confusion of your accusers; to the end that you may 
be received by the queen her majesty as doth become your 
royal blood and close relationship. 

Q. Mary. My lords and gentlemen, I drop all parley, and 
imitating your weapons, I urge your farce by defiance. 

Lei. Madam, more of the Christian spirit that has graced 
your afore speech would ease the weight of our duties. 

Q. Mary. Give, I pray you, my lords an' gentlemen, my case 



Scene iy.] THE QUEENS. 8? 

that attention its gravity meeds, an' let not mine ignorance o' 
the rules o' such procedures baffle your conception o' duty. 

Earl of A. Shall we not then proceed ? 

Cecil. You have heard, madam, the reading of the special 
charges. Do you deny them? For on your positive denial are 
we to base the further proceedings in this legal hearing. 

Q. Mary. I make no acknowledgments, nor yet denials; for 
how can I, seeing that I am hedged by a maze of misunder- 
standing that doth hide mine innocence and cloud my rights, so 
that if I make either denials or acknowledgments over broad, 
I may lose the weight of such favor as would stand to mine 
acquittal. 

Cecil. By your own request, madam, and your own free will, 
save as conscience made prayer, you did ask for opportunity to 
prove by denial of self, and the support of evidence, such as 
your friends might offer, that you were not a party, either by act 
or knowledge, to the unholy taking off of your late lord and 
husband, Lord Darnley. 

Q. Mary. My lords an' gentlemen, look at these, mine hands. 
By your keenest discernment, can you discover blood on them ? 
Blood! Yes, blood! My G-od! The blood o' mine own husband. 
Mark my voice, hath guilt disturbed it, or thrown it into trem- 
ulous tones that accent crime? Doth my face or manner bear 
the stamp an' mark o' a murderess? 0! My God! Am I the 
accused o' so great a crime ? 

That I hold mine anger in check, and make o' my resentment 
good stays to my sense o' wrong, doth the better speak for the 
sweet influence o' mine holy religion, an' the purity o' mine afore 
life. Murder! Murder! My God! Murderer o' mine husband, the 
father o' my child. Did e'er envy or spite forge so cruel a shaft 
to pierce the soul o' innocence? However dark the circum- 
stances, however thick the plot, should not the judgment o' 
those akin, if not kind, call halt to policy's drive, and treason's 
spite. 

What need had I to slay my lord ? Was he not o' mine own 
choosing? Not he chose me, nor raised me to his station, but I 
raised him to mine. If the distemper, which might prompt so 
foul a deed was o' older growth, an' did thrive long ere the sad 



88 THE QUEENS. [Act II. 

taking off, howbeit, my lords an' gentlemen, that I did hazard 
mine own life in mine attention as his nurse, while he lay smitten 
by pestilence? Had mine ambition for change o' bed so mas- 
tered my sense o' right, as to harbor the wish to speed my lord's 
death, I had only to wait, for the stroke which had marked him 
was bat suspended, an' would have dealt the blow that made 
me widowed, but little lagging the fell infliction that misfortune 
saw fit to use. 

Cecil. A plain denial, madam, would better answer this 
clause. 

Q. Mary. If I be unspeechml, my lords an' gentlemen, an' 
but turn my face to you, you must read in the reflection from 
my soul a full denial o' this unnatural charge. Hare I need to 
again 

Cecil. An undisguised no, or yes, would as well meet the 
ends of justice as will this overflood of words, which but awake 
or foster bewilderment as to your intent, while it does not remove 
suspicion. 

Q. Mary. It were well, my lords an' gentlemen, if it be your 
intent to conduct this hearing thus shortly to have made mine 
answers for yourselves, an' allowed me to have saved myself 
this shameless hurt. 

Hatton. Madam, the word bewilderment has been used, and 
it doth well tag my state of mind. I fain would dissolve the 
thickness of your meaning by plucking your over-speech. 

Q. Mary. Had you, sir, spent more time at your prayers, an' 
less with your valet, an' in your first years taken with your milk 
more good sense, an' in later years had less o' balancing, you 
might now have graced your present station a bit, rather than 
exhibit, as you do, your desire to wound. Sir, if you were 
deprived <>' queenly favor, into which gossie doth quoth you did 
dance with domino down, your havior would far better fit you for 
the antics o' a zany. 

/lottos. I have gathered in my lifetime, madam 

Q. Mary. Your gathering, sir, doth make poor exhibit when 
out o' proper place. 

Cecil Madam, you are charged, second, with wedding un- 
lawfullv with the Earl of Bothwell. 



Scene it.] THE QUEENS. 89 

Q. Mary. In mine own land, sir, wedding be not unlawful. 

Cecil. In the land wherein you now are, and whose repre- 
sentatives we are, it is not lawful to turn funeral hymns to 
wedding marches. 

Q. Mary. Are there not stresses, my lords an' gentlemen, 
that' the weight o' a kingdom doth lay upon one that she may 
be so forced to shape her course that the necessities may change 
common usage 1 

Cecil. The laws of this land are so drawn and framed that 
necessities make unto themselves only such forbearance as shall 
not conflict with common good. 

Q. Mary. It was the common good, my lords an' gentlemen, 
that drove me to this appearance o' evil. But I admit not that 
the act was other than that which did meet the full approval o' 
heaven. 

Earl of A. If you do look to heaven for approval of your 
most unwomanly acts, it were well to sue death for acquittal, 
that you might know the grounds for your hope. 

Q. Mary. I fear, my lords and gentlemen, that you do 
judge as my portion death without my suing. If I make careful 
scanning o' your faces, save two, I catch the reason o' my slan- 
dered life, an' miss that fair that doth temper justice. 

Earl of A. I pray let us proceed, my lords and gentlemen. 
We do tax the time with parley. 

Cecil. Madam, I am not able to record your answer to the 
second charge. 

Smith. My lords and gentlemen, are we to pass simply upon 
a quick denial the first of these grave charges ? I fear we shall 
miss the ends of even mercy did we enter verdict without separa- 
tion of proffered testimony, which we have at our command. 

Cecil. It was my purpose, my Lord, to first read the charges, 
and record the defendant's answers thereto, and then return and 
submit said answers to the crown's rebutting. 

Lei. That we may consume no more of the time than is 
necessary, could we not fully touch all the requirements by 
noting each charge, pro and con, as presented ? 

Earl of A. Justice makes no note of time, save that it be 
employed in meeting the ends of fairness. 



90 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

Cecil. If it be the better thought, we will return then, and 
continue by clauses. 

Q. Mary. Will oft-repeated denials, niy lords an' gentlemen, 
make more positive mine innocency ? If there be a happier 
thought, as yet unspoken, that I may make more apted to my 
distress, an' so ease my plight, I pray God that you help me find 
it; for mine appeals seem useless, an' naught but God's inter- 
ference may help me. 

Cecil. The denial in the first clause has been recorded. Doth 
the accused rest her denial upon her afore statement ? 

Q. Mary. I may not further alter it, but I wish not to sur- 
render any advantage that may present in the further unfolding. 
I would restate my position : I am no subject. 

Cecil. If your further answers are but vain interferences, it 
would be better to think of curtailment in your speeches. 

Q. Mary. It doth occur to me, my lords and gentlemen, that 
with so great advantages on your side, I should be granted such 
liberty of answering as, in my weakness an' ignorance, I may 
feel as helping my case. 

Cecil. Madam, you deny then, any participation, by knowl- 
edge or otherwise, in the cruel murder of your husband. 

Q. Mary. My lords and gentlemen : If I do lose myself an' 
forget my station in this, my sea o' trouble, I pray you extend to 
me, as men whose years should have brought the milk o' kind 
forbearance, such forgetfulness o' my hot speech, which this oft 
probing doth force, as will credit your years. I am a queen, 
who, by policy's turning, am absent from my throne. I stand 
before you cruelly accused, an' sadly bereft. I would so reinforce 
my denial o' this most sad an' wicked crime, that it may save me 
further reference to so dark a horror. 

My lords an' gentlemen, once for all, an' I do most earnestly 
ask God to witness my words, I deny any an' all foreknowledge 
o' the wicked murder o' my late lord an' husband. 

Earl of A. My lords and gentlemen, now that we have at last 
a positive denial from the accused, may we not meet the denial, 
at least in part, by the presentation of the proffered testimony 
offered by the Earl of Murray, and also the hearing of other im- 
portant witnesses? To sustain the charge of foreknowledge of 



Scene tv.] THE QUEENS. 91 

this suspected murder, it is necessary for the prosecution to es- 
tablish both a motive and an incentive, and also show that the 
defendant was influenced by the parties, or party, that actually 
committed the deed. 

As the Earl of Bothwell be not here to answer the questionings 
of this commission, and as vulgar opinions do credit him with 
planning and directing this foul murder, it be but necessary to 
establish between the accused before us and the guilty earl such 
a bond of regard and understanding as would make, by common 
consent, the accused privy to the designs and purposes of him 
who hath already been publicly condemned. 

Cecil. That we may arrive at a full understanding, and give 
this denial its just weight, it is proper that witnesses from the 
accused's own country be heard herewith. 

Q. Mary. I did flee mine own country to escape persecution. 
Is this a Christian act, to import hither my relentless foes? An' 
I see that you would call even mine own blood to rise up against 
me. 

Cecil. Until the meeting of your denial, there be not further 
need of your interruptions. My Lord Murray, have you the 
papers and letters which you submitted ? 

Earl of M. I hae me lords and gentlemen, submitted nathing. 
By favor I did say her majesty the queen your mistress an' her 
council, privately, that I hae in me keeping letters that did 
pass atwixt the Earl o' Bothwell an' me sister wha is before you. 

Q.Mary. Brother! hast thou forgotten how in youth we 
made the bond o' love the clasp between us? Thou an' I were 
loving an' true as brother an' sister; shall now this hateful shift 
o' policy rise between us ? Canst thou, brother, thus coldly 
forge an' hurl cruel irons o' hate to pierce my soul ? 

Turn back, brother, turn back, and read with eyes o' love 
on memory's tablet an oath for yet better deeds than this. 

Cecil. Madam, your mature years, and not your youth, is 
now the object of inquiry. [To Murray.] My Lord, do these 
letters which you possess relate to time while yet the late Lord 
Darnley was still alive ? 

Earl of M. They do, me Lord. 

Cecil. It be counted no violation of privacy to further the 



92 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

ends of justice by any means. May I ask that you read first 
such letters from the Earl of Bothwell to your sister as might, 
by inference at least, exhibit an intimacy that would furnish 
the motive for the committing by one party, and sanctioning by 
another, of a deed or deeds, of such gravity as to hold the 
parties amenable to law. 

Earl of M. Me lords and gentlemen, I winna gainsay you do 
urge me to a maist clinty thing. I do, in truth, herein hald letters 
whilk need the fullest expiate frae the rack! ess writers to (light 
them o' an acknown aware wi' guilt. To read them mesel, me 
lords and gentlemen, is a taz to me maist laithfu, an' did I 
obey the dehorting lane o' me safter thoughts, I wad hae stayed 
me presence by excuse o' kinship. 

Earl of A. Your presence, my Lord, doth vouchsafe the 
expectations of the commission, in that you have promised sub- 
mitting the guilty letters. Kinship furnishes no excuse for 
shielding wrong; none but participants seek to hide guilt. 

Earl of M. This whilk I hald in me nan', an' whilk me 
desire for the hale truth aboon a' things, an' me wish for the 
right weers me frae wi' halding, doth hae the date 

Q. Mary. My lords an' gentlemen, if you have so far for- 
gotten the dignity o' your station, an' the due to decency, an' 
the respect o' my rank, as to descend, in your deliberations, to 
the listening to forged an' stolen private correspondence, you 
have sunk to such depths as to forbid my further participation 
in your wanton an' cruel mockery, which you attempt to dignify 
by naming it a hearing. Your eagerness to avail yourself o' 
this last foul means, deprives you o' the right to expect from 
me a request for permission to retire. As I am to be adjudged 
so unfairly, my absence will not affect your verdict, nor can your 
verdict affect mine innocency. On entering your assembly I 
declared I was no subject, neither am I; but as an independent 
queen, I display my disapproval o' your unlawful an' unchristian 
proceedings by thus retiring. [Exit. 

Cecil. The retiring, my lords and gentlemen, of the accused 
doth cot meet fully the ends of our inquiry, except the act be 
taken as further evidence of guilt. 



Scene iv.] THE QUEENS. 93 

Earl of A. Should we not listen to the reading of the guilty 
letters in possession of the Earl of Murray ? 

Duke ofN. My lords and gentlemen, would it not be more 
becoming, now that our harshness has compelled the retirement 
of the Scottish queen, that we do adjourn until sleep or prayers 
do the better frame our further inquiry. 

Earl ofM. I trust, me lords an' gentlemen, that you will na 
wyte me for this unco behavior o' me slid sister; but I winna 
hald back frae ye that I did fear this very skyt o' her. This mis- 
chance do stay me frae further expose, at least sae near to her 
presence. The mirk guilt an' het temper o' me sister wad haste 
to impeach this maist leal hearing. 

Within this casket be letters o' fu' an' plain evidence, whilk 
do sae fix her guilt that naught save the sweet mercy o' heaven 
wad remove the awsomeness o' hersel acknown connect wi', 
na' anly the crime that vulgar rumor do ding her wi', but mony 
ithers yet mair mirk an' devilish. 

Earl of A. The rules of law would forbid further proceed- 
ings, at least in form of trial, without the presence of the ac- 
cused; we may adjust this matter to the end that we may make 
a proper report to her majesty the queen. 

Duke ofN. There be about this such a taint of unfairness 
that I no longer submit to this strain upon my better sense by 
further participation in your deliberations. And I crave both of 
my queen and you, my lords and gentlemen, that forbearance to 
my refusal as the honesty of my convictions doth entitle 
them to. 

Earl of A. Your Grace, you may not withdraw thus freely 
without royal consent, by whose command we are convened. 

Duke of N. As the accused hath withdrawn, a further hear- 
ing would be in form of council. My warrant from her majesty 
reads: " To attend in person the hearing and full answering of 
the accusations against the Queen of Scotland. " As that per- 
son has retired, there is naught in my warrant that directs my 
further attendance. 

Cecil. I do join the Duke of Norfolk, at least in part of his 
stand. What remains of this hearing may now be conducted, 
and I affirm with better propriety, in our capacity as a council. 



94 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

The churlish retirement of the accused, together with the undis- 
puted statement of the Earl of Murray, have surely determined 
the verdict. There is left to us, therefore, only the drawing of 
the report to the queen her majesty. 

If, therefore, there be no further answer, I do, by authority in 
me invested, declare this hearing closed ; and the convening of its 
members will be subject to the command of the queen. [All rise. 

I pray you, gentlemen, that the outcome of this convening re- 
main as a state secret until such time as it becomes public by 
authority of the queen her majesty. [Exeunt omnes. 

Scene V. Room in the House of the Earl of Leicester, London. 
Enter Earl of Leicester and Sir Nicholas Throgmorton. 

Lei. That you have, my good friend, just cause for offense I 
do allow. This thing of which you do complain is but a single 
act. 

Throg. Pardon me, my Lord, I have not so made measure of 
this most grevious hurt in that it be encompassed in a single 
act. So long and slow hath the agony of this slight dragged 
itself through my mind that it hath grown into an hundred 
affronts. Why, look you, my Lord: Stood I not fully accredited 
with her majesty the queen, and was not the path of preferment 
as open to me as to this man, her minister? Did he not drag me 
from mine estates, and so make report to the queen that she did 
consent to my recall? True, my Lord, this was but a single 
act, but look you to the monstrous progeny it doth bring forth. 
Not only am I weighted with the loss of my preferment, but so 
slender are my opportunities that I am even less than those who 
made yet smaller office in the affairs of court. And to such 
depths doth this assign me that I am, of truth, afflicted in mind 
and estate. And having lost good favor, you yourself, my Lord, 
know how steep a thing it be to gain anew that which doth 
grieve us in the losing. 

Lei. I would not make yet smaller your affront. This man 
of whom you do complain hath worked me not a little harm, 
and I would count it small loss if I were to grant unto him yet 
more of my peace, if thereby in the end 1 might improve myself. 






Scene v.] THE QUEENS. 95 

So oft hath he stood 'twixt me and my ends that I have, alas, 
full use for all my Christian grace to hold in check my hot 
resent. 

Throg. Be there not some way, my Lord, whereby this lofty 
cock may for a little be unplumed % I like not to be sheriff- 
posted over much, but I have mind to make so much tempt of 
fortune as shall assay to curtail the power of this proud counsel- 
lor. 

Lei. Have a care, have a care ! In these times there are not 
a few who have made their bed in the tower for less proditorious 
speech than this. 

Throg. It is not my purpose, my Lord, to make yet so care- 
less a plan as shall bring dis-ease to the snarers and snared. 

Lei. So thick is the air about the court with plots, that you 
will have good need for all your conceit to work hurt without 
being hurt. In these cold, unchristian days, every man's hand 
is against his brother, and there are hardly two among the 
council, nor yet in other offices of court, that do trust one an- 
other. So dark and travailous have these times grown, that 
my prayers slowly rise to God, so heavy are they with my laments 
of these unchristian intrigues. 

Throg. I do reverence your earnest piety, my Lord, but think 
you not that sometimes God may make use of human instru- 
ments to work out His diviner plans? 

Lei. That it is so, doth encourage me to hope that some of 
these monstrous wrongs may be righted by us. 

Throg. Did I not hear you say, my Lord, that the Duke of 
Norfolk had grown not a little tender towards the Scottish 
queen ? 

Lei. Whether this be a tenderness of the heart, or a stroke of 
policy, I know not. 

Throg. From whatever soil this weed doth spring, think you 
not the nursing of it will be an advantage? 

Lei. How ? 

Throg. If his grace the Duke of Norfolk be but gently 
urged, and escape that hinder which would check his softness, 
think you not he might enter into plans with the Scot, looking 
to her restoration and his own elevation ? 



96 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

Lei. Be there need to involve the Duke of Norfolk, that we 
may yet reach within the council J ? 

Throg. If the chief within the council could be wrought 
upon, by promises of the settlement of this vexed question of 
how to dispose of the Scot, and the smoothing over of other yet 
lesser troubles, think you not that he would look with a degree 
of favor upon an alliance of the duke with the Scot? 

Lei. I do but half see the drift of your reach. 

TJirog. Well said, my Lord, for I am but half cited. 

Lei. If the unsaid of your speech doth not have in it more 
promise of the fulfillment of our mutual wish, you might well 
pronounce "finis " now. 

Throg. I pray you, my Lord, stay both your judgments and 
your jests, until my designs call for one, or my slips deserve the 
other. If I am a marplot, my Lord, let my words canvass it. 

Lei. Has this scheme the merit of maturity ? or be it rather 
the conception of the moment ? 

Throg. It hath well taxed my mind, my Lord, even from 
my first rack, and it hath bedded with me so long that it 
is no unproportioned thought. 

Lei. And now to better nurse your unease you ask me to tie 
my reseut with yours, and take the smart of your hurt for my 
cue. By my faith, you must have sucked your philosophy from 
stoues, and lost sleep in the labor. 

Throg. I do assure you, my Lord, that in my wakiug I have 
matched well the diverse bits of this which I do now unfold, 
aud such labor have I made of it, that sleep, of truth, has been 
a sly visitor. 

Lei. If you have lost sleep to plan, who can so much deviltry 
set afoot when awake, God and the angels protect him whom 
you do seek to encompass. 

Throg. That I am not fat-brained, my Lord, my foes will 
oath. In mine office, as ambassador, I did learn botli by listen- 
ing, and my own experience, that the deepest plans had fewest 
details, and if you bear with me yet a little, I will so clear this 
affair, wherewith I would fix your attention, that it shall not 
miss your approval. 

Lei. By listening I do not commit myself. 



Scene v.] THE QUEENS. 97 

Throg. That you do listen, my Lord, doth give me assurance 
that whatever the plans be, the end aimed at is the same with 
us both. 

Lei, I have not yet so assented. 

Throg. I trust, my Lord, I do not bootlessly wait for your 
assent; I have afore read so much of your sweet mind, that I 
did make no disquiet with myself as to your consent, feeling 
that you, as well as I, would relish the cleaving of that power 
that has slighted us both. 

Lei. You do plead with such earnest force, that I do hold in 
check my judgment to hear yet further whereof of this matter 
you would speak. 

Throg. Tou have made good use of your judgment, my Lord, 
and I trust I offer not stale refreshment for the good entertain- 
ment of such gracious willingness. If the Duke of Norfolk, 
who hath already absorbed not a little of the moon in his nature, 
be but gently urged, he will take upon himself the full office of 
a knight errant, and struttiug beneath the starlit cope, make 
such lament of the sorry plight of his lakin that he will forget 
both religion and realm, and so thirst for knightly tilt, to loose 
the bars that cruel hold the object of his fire, that he would 
slap his thigh and commit some such act of rashness, as would 
awake in her majesty the queen the force of her asperity. 

Lei. But you forget that the Duke of Norfolk is not her 
majesty's counsellor, Sir William. 

Throg. True, my Lord, but the duke be but one link in this, 
my chain of circumstance. Think you not, my Lord, that there 
be good words enough, that by cunning shaping, one might win 
the approval of a man or two of the council to this plighting? 

Lei. You have a good head, and if you had yet more grace 
than cunning, you could cure more souls than Knox. 

Throg. That I have not the gown, my Lord, doth not wholly 
check my winning men. 

Lei. But how can the " man or two " of the council be sized 
in this affair ? For they who assent to this union must not feel 
unfavorable to the Scot, and what favor the Scot doth have of 
theirs, the queen her majesty must lose, and she takes not over 
kindly, even the missing of a grain of favor. And if it do come 



98 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

to her ear that there be those among her council, or even about 
the court, who would attempt, by act or assent, the interest of 
the Scot, they would quickly find themselves face to face with a 
searching questioner. 

Throg. You have approached, my Lord, the gate whereof I 
have labored to throw open and make inviting the view, that 
our friend Sir William may the easier enter fields, in whose 
greenness he would become a conspicuous trespasser; and when, 
at last, he hath strayed so far from the entrance that seemed so 
pleasant a chap, and offered such good excuses for his coming, he 
will be suddenly called upon to explain the object of his presence 
on forbidden ground, and will become so confused that his poor 
gambling would betray his loss of loyalty to her majesty the 
queen. Then, while he doth strive to armor his weak slip, he will 
be the more easily plucked, and by the queen reduced. Then 
we, my Lord, yea! even you and I, can, in the future, when 
meeting this now high cock, keep our reverence for those who 
retain without abuse their lofty station. 

Lei. How? My good friend, would you assay to so train the 
fates that you might sweep in with one fell, cunning stroke all 
at court, who, in their serving her majesty the queen, have 
nicked your proud sensitive self? 

Throg. Your comprehension, my Lord, of the pjan is good; 
but I have not laid so deep a scheme as will reach beyond our 
friend, Sir William, except it break a hanger on or two, who in 
their blind dancing to his dull piping, would not lose their step 
even in the crash of fortune. 

Lei. Think you, good friend, that if mercy be so small a part 
of this your smart plan, that in the reckoning twixt God and 
you, He will hold from you the full measure of that you would 
turn from another ? 

Throg. I have not, my Lord, your prophetic sight, nor yet a 
vision beyond our present need, and so only deal to overthrow 
proud flesh here, that in its rank struttings has pruned without 
mercy, and sullied without stent. If in this attempt to even the 
digs of spite, tbis stiff lump be toppled, and in his trip he do 
tumble a kin or two, they but receive that reward due the weak, 
who too blindly claw for hire. It be my intention, my Lord, to 



Scene v.] THE QUEENS. 99 

so present this matter to those whom we would introduce, that 
they shall safely land in the web before they fully catch that 
they have favored the project. 

Lei. Think you not that there be safety in counsel ? There 
be those even now who, from coldness, lukeness, or self- ends, 
could be mustered at once to encourage this fetch. 

Tlirog. If there be such within call, my Lord, I pray you 
that we may dish this out to them while it be hot. 

Lei. [Rings hell. Enter Page.] Say to my Lord Lumley 
that an affair of interest doth require his presence, and, if it be 
his good pleasure, I would he should attend us here. [Exit Page. 

Tlirog. My Lord, if you have not lost sleep in this matter, 
you have forsooth made good use of your wake-time. My Lord 
Lumley has indeed good reason to join us in this move. I will 
remain silent, for it is more fitting that you do approach our 
homme-de-bien. 

Lei. I will acquaint his lordship with the outlines of this 
matter, and, when you see the tide full run, you may plunge 
and swim with us. 

Enter Lord Lumley. 

The sun, my Lord, must have smote you full at peep o' day, 
for so good a smile did he grant you that you have worn it even 
now past mid-day. Your health is too well fixed to need asking, 
and your lady and goodly sprouts have so much of blessing that 
it were waste to wish them more. 

Lum. Now, good Earl, it were poor taste to offer me this 
dessert on an empty stomach. That I am sent for doth of itself 
proclaim that you would make a communication not a little out 
of the ordinary, and that you do so graciously salute me, doth 
clinch the guess that your communication be not for public 
rehearsal. Good Earl, I pray you, if you have a mind to break 
to me that which would even temporarily disquiet my soul, that 
you swear to me that if I soil my hands in your office, you will 
sue the queen her majesty for cleansing. 

Lei. My Lord, if you were not of good blood, and had not 
your house worn their crest, even back to Alfred, I would swear 
you were a gypsy. 

Lam.. How so, my Lord? 



100 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

Lei. Why ! before I had cracked a word you did seem to 
smell adventure. My Lord, if you were made finder, in less 
than quarter year not a witch would mumble in all our queen's 
good land. 

Lum. Your compliment, my Lord, doth of truth bewitch me, 
but I do fail to find its wit. 

Lei. My Lord, what think you? Doth the Duke of Norfolk 
really love the bonny Scot, or has he allowed his mouth to run 
at sight of face? 

Lum. Think you, my Lord, that I am sitting up o' nights mak- 
ing note of lover's prate ? 

Lei. Then you adjudge the good duke that he be a lover i 

Lum. It be not so long ago that I did sigh and swear by lima 
that I have lost the memory of the stare that swains do wear. If 
his grace the Duke of Norfolk hath not for the filly Scot the 
lover's yuke, he hath, then, no excuse for that dreamy, far off 
look in his blue eyes. 

Lei. So you have noted this, my Lord ? 

Lum. Who hath not ? I trow you there be not a maid or page 
that meets the duke but hath smiled at his lovesick looks. 

Lei. My Lord, you have been a closer watcher than I ; as good 
even as our friend here. 

Throg. Pray, my Lord, do not appeal to me in matters of this 
kind. It doth not become me to nose among the love affairs of 
court. 

Lum. Not your nose, Sir Nicholas, but your eyes would fully 
compass this blunt affair. 

Lei. I trust, gentlemen, that it be not envy that doth pepper 
your speech. 

Lum. My Lord, less of grum in your words would clear them 
of the suspicion that they are prompted by the green-eyed. 

Lei. Fie ! gentlemen, fie ! I trust we old hay-stacks need not 
take fire at the sheen of this Northern Siren's eyes. 

Lum. Not fire so much, my Lord, as faddle. 

Throg. What think you, my Lord, be there those in the coun- 
cil who would frown or smile if his grace the duke should prove 
in earnest . ; 



Scene v.] THE QUEENS. 101 

Lum. If the duke be in earnest he would make little of the 
frowns or smiles of the council, or yet the crown. 

Lei. Think you that he hath so stiff a neck ? 

Lum. That he hath, doth the better grant me the license to 
announce that he be not easily blown about, unless the breeze 
do please him. 

Lei. You have, my Lord, so much mind of the duke's bias, 
pray have you mixed with it a bit of ween of the Scot's bent ? 
Doth she lean toward his grace the duke ? 

Lum. How much of melting this giglot has for the duke I 
know not, but I have read in rhyme of a bird, not cage-bred, 
that so pined for flight that it coupled with a hawk to gain its 
welkin. 

Lei. Think you the Scot doth put more weight on flight than 
on the means of gaining it ? and that she would tarre the duke 
if thereby she might slip her present closeness ? 

Lam. But, my Lord, are you not over-rating the duke's soft- 
ness and earnest ? Or perchance, you may have lost your scor- 
ing in his make-up. 

Throg. Gentlemen, we may measure but poorly how much of 
earnestness the duke may have, but we are most concerned 
that he shall go blindly and swiftly, for I hold that a man who 
loves blindly has pawned reason. 

Lum. You have, good Sir Nicholas, I trow, all of reason on 
your side. 

Throg. Such reason as I have, my Lord, I do bend it to your 
better judgment. 

Lei. If you could hunt hares as you can claw, I would of 
choice ride with you a clay. 

Throg. It's not the hunting, my Lord, that doth testify the 
profit, but the bagging. 

Lum. This game that you would bag is sly. 

Throg. I would, my Lord, that you did have a better under- 
standing of that whereof we have conversed. 

Lei. I will acquaint his lordship with the drift of your 
scheme. 

Enter Page. 

Page. May it please your Lordship, a gentleman doth attend 



102 THE QUEENS. [Act 11. 

who would speak with thee privately, and as an earnest doth 
bid me hand you this bill. [Exit. 

Lei. Gentlemen, grant me your indulgence. A matter of 
private import demands my attention. I pray you, during my 
absence, look to the details. I will join you quickly. [Exit. 

Lum. His lordship seems strangely agitated in the reading 
of this note. 

Tlirog. I think, my Lord, it was some matter of church or 
charity. 

Lum. Of church? Pray what church doth hold so thin a 
creed that it may honor the Earl of Leicester with fellowship? 
By my word, if he hath a church the prince of darkness is the 
curate. Was it thus [crosses himself] we did for grace, under 
the old? 

Tlirog. If your Lordship doth make inquiry on matters 
religious, I fear my answer would not enrich you. I set so small 
a store on all this rasping over creeds, that I scarce do know 
which be up and which be down. I hold that's better policy to 
praise the ups and parole the downs, but do both my praising 
and my promising with such a degree of indecision, that if the 
downs were up they could not swear which were praises and 
which were promises. 

Lum. Tou should be Lord Chief Justice, for one so nicely 
balanced as you would decide a case purely upon its merits, 
that is, if its merits were to your liking. 

Tlirog. I would not be Chief Justice, my Lord, but yet I 
would, had I a good opportunity, so cheapen justice that all 
might, at least, have a taste of it. 

Lum. Have the earl and yourself yet brought your plan to 
full maturity/ 

Tlirog. I did but this hour, may it please your Lordship, 
enter upon its consideration. 

Enter Leicester. 

Lei. Lord Lumley will you be kind enough to lend me your 
presence. So thick hath this matter grown that it be necessary 
thai I do acquaint you with that which hath been aforesaid. 

[Exeunt Leicester and Lumley. 



Sceke v.] THE QUEENS. 103 

Enter Felango, cautiously. 

Throg. If I mistake not, you shall have such good field for 
your peculiar wit, that you should win right royally the 
applause of your master. 

Fel. If there be more cunning than my good Maestro hath 
yet attempted, I shall, of truth, have need to acquire not a lit- 
tle freshness that I may meet rally the ends whereof he doth 
plan. 

Throg. Have you yet clapped eyes on this trig Scot? 

Fel. That I have doth give me good reason for this flutter of 
my heart. 

Tlirog. Your heart ! Why I have read, or have been told, 
that in your country the men have not hearts. 

Fel. You have listened to a slanderer, for in mine own land 
we not only have hearts, but they sometimes break. 

Throg. That such as yours do not break may be the reason 
for this rumor. 

Fel. Thy heart must be near to thy stomach, for I have 
noticed that thy nature doth change in fasting and feasting. 

[Exit Felango. 

Enter Lumley and Leicester. 

Lum. I will so identify myself with this affair that it shall be 
my office to see the Earl of Pembroke. It were necessary, at 
least it were good policy, that we do win his favor in this most 
delicate business. 

Lei. It be understood, my Lord, that there be used only such 
representations as do conform to exactness. We have good need 
to so conduct this matter that we may not miss the favor of 
heaven. 

Lum. If you have, my Lord, such familiarity with heaven as 
to command its favors in affairs of this kind, I trow you might 
have angels to work your croft, and bid Gabriel shie your foes, 
and even lend help to me in this, your bidding. 

Lei. If I did make employment of angels it should be my aim 
to see that they had as fellow-workers such as had a prospective 
hope of future companionship. 

Lum. Such conditions would exclude their employer, I fear. 



104 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

Lei. Not angels, but men do most concern us now. Look you 
well, my Lord, to your agreement. I will more of this matter, 
when it shall yet be more happily arranged. 

Lum. I do trust your better discretion that this matter come 
not to the ears of the queen until such time as there be necessity 
for it; even then, my Lord, you are to stand between any royal 
displeasure and myself. As your salutation was so sweet on my 
coming, I pray that I may use the remembrance of it to speed 
my parting. 

Lei. Such good wishes, my Lord, as welcome did offer to your 
approach, have increased during your tarry, and I check not 
your remembrance of them, but repeat with interest for your 
departure their sense, adding: may heaven's best grace accom- 
pany thee. 

Lum. So noble an adieu, my Lord, merits speedy exit. 

[Exit Lumley. 

Lei. The undercurrent of this matter should of need be kept 
within bounds. I have surfaced his lordship, and shall make such 
use of him as can with propriety be done without throwing 
down the bars of concealment necessary for the success of your 
enterprise. 

Throg. Tour prudence, my Lord, bespeaks much for success. 
It were well that there be not too many hands in the glove. 

Lei. It, then, is understood that the duke is to be urged in his 
fancy, and that as many of the council as we wish to blind, not 
omitting our friend Sir William, are to be baited into its encour- 
agement. Then, when we have them fully committed, we may, 
by accident, miud you, by accident, loose ourselves for the 
queen's hearing. 

Throg. To the better push our plans, it be necessary that the 
Earl of Murray should be made a party in tbis dance of circum- 
stance. 

Lei. I hear at courj: that the Earl of Murray will soon visit 
her majesty the queen by invitation. 

Throg. Fate and fortune have indeed tumbled our dice. 

Lei. Is it then so fortunate a thing that the Earl of Murray's 
presence do grace this schemel [Ring belt. 

Enter FELAXGO. 



SCElJE v.] THE QUEENS. 105 

Throg. Of grace I say not, but of policy I think it fortunate. 

Lei. [To Felango] It be my pleasure that when it be an- 
nounced that the Earl of Murray hath arrived, you do fully in- 
form yourself of his mission, and whatever passes between him 
and those with whom he doth converse, acquaint me forthwith. 

Fel. The details of this. Maestro, should be arranged yet 
with more care. 

Lei. I will make further speech with you when it be more 
opportune. Bethink you I am daft? 

Throg. My Lord, I think it meet that I do betake me to the 
office of the secretary, and there smooth the way for the intro- 
duction of our train. 

Leu As you are a Christian, see to it that you do not bend 
unholy means to your ends, for whatsoever you do more than 
the license of holy writ, you shall be called upon to answer for 
to heaven. 

Throg. I will, my Lord, so carefully mix the ingredients in 
this affair that there shall be no offense to heaven or hell. In 
my departure I do leave further audience with you at your 
pleasure, and the need of our mutual ends. [Exit. 

Lei. How now! So full of cares am I, and so loose have the 
ends run, that I am in danger of strangely mixing my tantles 
with tragedies to my expose. 

Fel. I pray you, Maestro, in the nobler affairs keep your own 
counsel, in the darker, trust to me. 

Lei Trust to you ! That I have trusted to you hath so 
licensed the evil within me that it hath blighted the good. 

Fel. Say not so, Maestro. There be now only such need of 
patience as shall dispose of your last unfortunate slip, then, 
make such installments of prudence as shall assure you yet 
longer draughts of pleasure, without the risk of expose, and all 
shall be well. 

Lei. This be but a hoot snatch. What of the maid ? Did 
you entice young Howard to your liking ? 

Fel. More to my liking than to the maid's, Maestro. Of truth 
she hath such heaviness of heart, and of body too, that she doth 
illy take to love-making. 

Lei. Fie on love ! Give this vouns: dolt, Howard, full swing of 



106 THE QUEENS. [Act ii. 

encouragement, and in his fire he Trill forget conscience ; and so 
sore of plight is this wench that it be not an over hard labor to 
break her stiff will, and so change from me to Howard the con- 
sequence of this weak folly. 

Fel. I fear me, Maestro, that the lady doth make suspect of 
some such deal, and hath grown shy of the approach of men. 

Lei. It were better for her were this shyness not so new a 
thing. 

Fel. But, Maestro, was not her shyness o'ercome by the fer- 
vor of your suit ? 

Lei, It doth not suit me that you should pick apart these 
warm affairs of my heart. I have done with this wench j she 
hath in her too little discretion to meet my ends, either of tool 
or toy. 

Fel. True, Maestro, but the results of your favor may not be 
longer concealed, and already the lady be so wrought upon by 
the fear of her situation that the lock of her judgment may be 
broken by the dread of her plight, and she be open to peach. 

Lei. I know of no Christian way to settle this miserable af- 
fair, and to meet such emergencies as this did I make attach- 
ment of your peculiar office. If this wench will not submit to 
your directions, and thus avoid my expose, I pray you adopt such 
means as you have found expedient in your own country for the 
settling of these tort slips. But look you ! I have a horror of 
blood. If this wench be so foolish as to refuse the better part, I 
pray you, Felango, see to it that there be a hush put upon her 
blab. Have I not read of how you Italians can chase away the 
breath of life and leave no mark of the chasing? 

Fel. In matters of this kind, Maestro, it be customary to fix 
the sum which shall recompense the remover in proportion to 
the need of the snuffing out of the removed. 

Lei. man ! pounds and pence are the motives of your soul. 
You do prate of the cost of this thing as if it were a bag of corn 
[gives him a purse]. Here, I have no desire to know the fee I 
pay for this necessary hitch. Be it much or little, I pray you 
let me not know how 'twere done, only that it be well done. 

Fel. One word more, Maestro; Lady Sheffield did instruct me 
to acquaint your Lordship with the appointment for to-night. 



Scene v.] THE QUEENS. 107 

Lei. Ah me ! I had quite forgotten that. How took she the 
missive ? When she read it did she blush as modest maidens 
do? or did anger hang its banner out ? 

Eel. You have nothing to fear, Maestro. I have every reason 
to believe my lady be ripe, and that this appointment be to her 
liking, but I would caution that your earnestness be well as- 
sumed, for if my lady doth suspect, I fear your bird may fly and 
leave you empty handed. 

Lei. No fear, I love a little shyness. A suit that doth end 
with little urging soon grows cold. Where, then, am I to at- 
tend her? 

Eel. The lady did consent, Maestro, to your trysting, and 
will carry in her hand a red rose. 

Lei. I will match her red rose; no fear! Get you now to 
your employment. Mind you that there be nothing vulgar, and 
no outcries to endanger expose. I do abhor a scene, and you 
would offend heaven by over much noise. 

Eel. With no more loud speech than at her coming, will be 
her departing, Maestro. If this maid still persist, and think 
she hath not enough of your attention, she shall exchange dis- 
ease for a long, long sleep; thus! thus ! [Imitates strangling.] 
[Exit Felango. 

Lei. Sleep ! sleep ! thou blessed balm for tired souls, 
thou art God's sweetest gift to those who miss awake the ful- 
filling of hopes born in the enchanting folds of thy poor coun- 
terfeit. [Exit Leicester. 



ACT III. 

Scene I. Room in the house of the Duke of Norfolk, London. 
Duke oe Norfolk, Bishop of Ross and Sir Nicholas 
Throgmortox discovered. 

Duke ofN. Gentlemen, so much at heart have I this matter, 
that I count not any sacrifice as loss, if I may, thereby, relieve 
the oppressed, or render assistance unto the queen my 
mistress. 

Throg. My Lord, it is to that end that I have bethought me 
of this. The presence of the Scottish queen within the realm 
of her majesty our mistress doth engender strife; and, as the 
queen our mistress doth the more desire peace, it of right be- 
comes her loyal subjects to so shape their acts that they may 
assist their loved mistress in maintaining that sweet calm which 
has so far blessed her reign. 

Duke ofN. So little of self have I thought, but so much of 
the good of queen and realm, that I am bound to sag at noth- 
ing that will impeach disquiet, or further success to England. 
I have given not a little thought and prayer to the affairs of the 
queen of Scotland, and trust I do not slur my loyalty, nor invite 
a question as to my devotion to my faith, if I display a desire to 
succor the distressed, when, in so doing, I would strive to lift a 
burden from my sovereign's heart. 

Bishop ofR. In so sore a plight is this poor queen of Scot- 
land, that I do think the ends fully justify desperate means. 
If the queen of England will .not be softened by appeals, we, 
who see the right, should not hesitate to act. In my heart I 
feel that if your Grace will venture upon such troubled seas, as 
are the affairs of Scotland, and give, by your alliance with the 
Scottish queen, the weight of your position, and the strength 
of your mind, we shall, ere long, gain that tranquility so much 
prayed for by the lords and estates of that distracted realm. 

Duke ofN. But how think you the queen my mistress and 
her ministers would judge this, my open avowal at this time? 

1 08 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 109 

Throg. So great a burden hath this northern queen become by 
her presence, that it will be no mighty task to side the minis- 
ters of the crown with this righteous move, which promises such 
happy delivery from unease. 

Duke of N. Have you, then, Sir Nicholas, uncovered this 
scheme to any within the council? 

Throg. That I am here, my Lord, doth testify to my 
authority to speak. The tenderness of this matter demands 
such prudent concealment as shall save all from danger of too 
previous a betrayal of the ends sought. 

Duke of N. If this matter be honorable, wherein is the 
necessity for concealment? 

Throg. Your Grace, prudence be no less a companion to hon- 
esty than it be to trickery. There be those amoug the council 
who, if this thing be too bluntly broached, would not list, but 
would retard the good work by a too thoughtless condemnation; 
yet these same persons, if carefully lured, would adopt it right 
heartily if it smelt of royal favor or displayed a shadow of 
courtly approval. Your assent, your Grace, would stamp this 
affair with a degree of righteousness that would prevent its over 
hasty rejection by those who suck policy and fatten on chance. 

Bishop ofB. I am powered to announce, your Grace, that if 
the Scottish queen be restored, and it be through your happy 
offer, and her restoration include her wedding with yourself, 
then the crown matrimonial would be a part of the fruits of this 
most honorable draft. 

Throg. I pray you, gentlemen, let us speak lightly of the 
fruits, but make such happy display of our good motives as shall 
forestall the assaults of our enemies. That his grace should 
wear the Scottish crown is but right, but that the Scottish 
crown should appear as the motive to the act should be 
concealed. 

Why should we run to meet the date of bitiug envy ? Why 
forestall that we would escape ? If we display the ends as selfish 
gain, we lop ourselves the good that heaven designed should fall 
to the deserving. 

Duke ofN. Thy words have in them the sound of diplomacy. 



110 THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

Of that I do not object, so long as the ends be pure and the 
means honorable, 

Throg. I have not the heart, your G-race, to bring to you, 
even were I so inclined, aught that would miss your approval. 

Bishop ofB. I have made good canvass of this affair among 
those of better judgment, and I have gathered such opinions as 
fully bear me out in urging you to accept, your Grace, this that 
heaven doth seem to offer. 

Duke ofN. Prudence and loyalty would seem to dictate that 
we should acquaint the queen her majesty with this affair, and 
our intent. 

Throg. Not so ! your Grace, not so ! Rather it be good pru- 
dence that we do first enlist upon our side so tall a company, 
that the queen's resentment will be impeached by such array of 
advocates that she may thereby be recomforted, and her anger 
turned to sweet assent. 

Duke ofN. The queen our mistress doth the more kindly take 
to any project when she be privy to its inception and mindful of 
its growth. 

Throg. That this be so, your Grace, doth hold in all matters 
save this. We must not conceal from ourselves that this cast 
doth have in it so much of knack that they who helm it must, 
forsooth, be as wise as statists and soft as lovers ; for the queen 
her majesty hath nursed not a little of that yellowness that doth 
gnaw womankind at large, and so palled her wit in the pout of 
envy that she be, alas, strangely askew in the settlement of this 
delicate matter. 

Duke ofN. If there be a misunderstanding by the queen her 
majesty, then there be all the more necessity that her loyal sub- 
jects do avoid an advantage that be the growth of that mis- 
understanding. 

Throg. Far be it from me, your Grace, to favor or suggest 
that there be any beneath work in this matter; but anxiety 
doth so oppress the queen her majesty, that she has missed that 
calm which would assist a better settlement. As they who are 
sick wist not the drug they swig, but on the turn of strength 
bless the leech that gave it, so she'll favor those who mend her 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. Ill 

present hurt, though, if known, she might spurn the proffered 
balm. 

Bishop o/B. Would it not be a good stride, your Grace, if 
you were to visit the queen of Scotland, and take measure of 
her good pleasure in adjusting this delicate affair % 

Duke of N. I had so made promise to my better judgment, 
and bethought me that it were meet that she be fully consulted, 
and our conclusions made to stand with her opinions. If there 
be no opposition, may not this interview be arranged quickly? 

Throg. Think not, your Grace, that I have moved overmuch 
towards these ends without your assent, but with full trust in 
your good judgment, and feeling that it would not miss your 
approval, I have consulted his reverence, the Bishop of Ross, 
and the conference with the Scottish queen can be arranged 
at your pleasure. 

Duke of N. Would it please his reverence that he first 
acquaint the queen with the object of my visit ? There should 
not be that suddenness in approaching the lady as would startle 
her. 

Bishop of B. It shall be smoothly arranged, your Grace, and 
the better that my heart be in it. 

Throg. Yes; smoothly, your Grace, smoothly. 

Duke of N. Then, gentlemen, I will stay my further move- 
ments until advised by you. 

Throg. At this stage, your Grace, prudence be so fine a jewel 
that its lustre should not be tarnished by an over-careless be- 
trayal of the cause of its employment. It be, therefore, better 
that such thoughts as you have in this matter be between you 
and your conscience alone. In these times one may not know 
whom to trust, and your seeming best friend may screw your 
heart's secrets to your dire disaster. 

Duke of N. As you have espoused this cause, good Sir 
Nicholas, I do trust your advice, and shall make this matter a 
theme of discussion, as you advise, between myself and my God. 

Bishop ofB. I shall so use my office, your Grace, as shall 
conduce to your best purpose. Let us so counsel together that 
both the ends and means shall not escape the approval of God, 
and deserve His blessing. 



112 THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

Duke of N. As I must needs have a friend who shall approach 
the Scottish queen in my interest, I kuow not one among all my 
trusted acquaintance to whom I could, with more safety, trust 
the sweet office of love's embassador than to you, good Sir 
Nicholas. Will you, therefore, take to the Scottish queen my 
tender solicitude for her welfare, and obtain from her, if it be 
consistent with her gracious wish, and do meet with her full de- 
sire, the privilege of an interview between herself and me. 

Throg. That you do trust me, your Grace, to be the messenger 
of so sweet and delicate an approach, would force from me, even 
were I coldly inclined, so quick a compliance, that my resolve 
would be second only to your own. Your approof, your Grace, 
of my friendship merits most earnest effort in your behalf ; and 
as your kind request meets fully my most heartfelt wish, I do 
the more readily offer my acceptance of your honored trust. 
And to discharge which, I would make the good excuse of my 
hasty exit, to the end that we may the sooner reap the fruits of 
our resolve. 

Duke of X. This is, indeed, a proof of sweet friendship. 
With no vow, save that which should be between brothers of a 
common blood, I do accept your willing offer to lend me the safe 
tend of your valued assistance. 

Bishop ofB. God bestow upon all the fullness of his blessing, 
and grant such wisdom as faithfulness shall profitably use. 

[Exeunt. 

Scexe II. Room in Leicester's House. 

Enter Barney. 

Barney. Sure, 'pon my soul but master's foxy. By the sound 
of his words he doth mouth the prayers of saints, but in his acts 
he doth more than meet the devil's task. Sure, he doth have 
such softness in his mouth that he doth make all at court his 
dolts. Sure, but he's as tricky as Judas, and this I say when 
out of breath of prayers, yet when I hear him preach, I'd swear 
he's fit for bishop's stole. Ah, welladay, welladay ! What with 
that Talian devil, and master's tricks, sure, God's pity needs 
come to any those two fly at. 

Enter Fklaxgo. 



Scene ii.] THE QUEENS. 113 

Sure, its you, is it ? By me soul I just spoke your name, or 
that 'o your master. Sure, the word's not cold on me lips yet. 

Fel. Why man, the Earl's is not so strange a name that you 
need harp a slur upon it. 

Barney. Sure, the devil's no earl ! 

Fel: Devil! [Crosses himself.] How dare you proclaim the 
imp my master ? I have within my heart such words of grace 
as would quit his presence; my life in its every act, makes too 
strong a wall for Satan's bolt. 

Barney. Your life ! Sure, but you're a fine scholar ; but your 
glab hath not in it the goodness that the words would bring, 
were they your own ; for sure, you get your tip from master, 
and you've not his good sense in choice of hearers. 

Fel. Still your tongue man, still your tongue, and keep 
your chatter to brawl at cook. Is Maestro in? 

Barney. Sure, it's not public that he's out, leastwise he's not 
posted. If he was here he'd be home, and if he was home sure 
he'd be in. Hark ye ! from the bang in the hall I catch the 
clepe of his coming. 

Exit Barney. 

Fel. There are two things that the fates have denied me. I 
am not handsome, nor am I rich. Heaven in its dealings has 
scanted me, and so slim am I in luring looks that maids are shy, 
and I am lone in their soft company. In gold I have so missed 
my deserts, that were my wits as thin as is my purse, I would 
have good need to feel with care, and stumble with rolled up 
eyes, and journey with a dog. 

So loosely run the Earl's accounts, and so much have I them 
in hand, that I am dull indeed, if I slip this chance to hedge my 
poverty. [Unlocks dratver in the table.] I think there is, or 
should be, here, the warrant of my search. Could I make this 
my own, I could laugh at Jew, and fig his envied loan. Saints, 
it is here ! For once fortune has favored the good. [Conceals 
paper.] 

Enter Barney. 

Barney. Here yet? Sure ye stick like want. Master'll not 
return for hour yet. 

Fel. How! Sent he message? 
s 



114 THE QUEENS. [ACT III. 

Barney. No message, bat an asking. 

Fel. What was the inquiry? 

Barney. As master bespok' for gentlemen you need have no 
uneasiness. 

Fel. Man you should salt your wit, and keep it. 

Barney. My wit's the kind that keeps without salting. Sure 
if 'twas as poor as yours salt would not save it. For a wager 
Signor, be you wed? 

Fel. No, man, but why make to me such a put? 

Barney. Then wait, good friend, till you're a dad, and learn 
how slim your wit will be when your first brat begins asking- 
questions. 

Fel. Tell me, Barney, was Sir Nicholas Throgmorton tag- 
ging your master to-day? 

Barney. Sure, do you take me for a well? 

Fel. Yes, and a dry one, and as you are dry, here's the price 
of a pint. 

Barney. Sure, you're a sly one. Pence will fetch what blab 
wont. Yes, Sir Nicholas was here, and he and master blustered 
an hour. Sure, Felango, what's this new deal the earl do scud 
about? 

Fel. Well, as I may give it to you, and know that it'll be 
kept, it's this: Your maestro, the earl, has a bit of hump left 
from his slight the Scottish queen did send, and so to even up 
the cut, he'd make her shed a tear or two. And as he has, as 
all good men should, the praise of time, he would make a double 
hitch, and in his reach for the Scot bring down a lofty coun- 
cillor or two. You, Barney, even in your dullness, must have 
seen the fire that flew when the queen's secretary, Sir William, 
jammed the earl a bit, — so your maestro, now that this north- 
ern fill-gill has dropped within his stroke, would, by one well- 
measured rout, bring down a queen and councillor, as payment 
for his hurt. 

Barney. So that's it! Sure he's a will of oak and a heart of 
stone, and ne'er forgets. But what's the hand of Sir Nicholas 
doing? Is he a tool or partner*? 

Fel. Why he, like the earl, your maestro, nurses a bit of 



Scene ii.] THE QUEENS. 115 

greenness, and so he the quicker strides with your Maestro to 
reach the foe that sized him up. 

Barney. But sure, his grace the Duke of Norfolk hath not a 
grievance, nor hath he grown hungry to fang a foe. Sure, he 
hath not an enemy within the court; and one of such goodly 
heart would not consent to play for another that which would 
meet his scorn. 

Fel. You are as innocent as a hen, and as dumb as a hern. 
Why, man, it is because his grace the duke is a saint that he 
will the better dance to the piping of your maestro. 

Barney. How so? Sure, you so mix saints and sinners, 
that I can't tell which be sellers or which be sold. 

Fel. There's where you miss your wit, man. Why, if I had 
ears like yours, there'd be no sound that would slip me. With 
such highways to your sense, you should hear the stars talking 
to one another. 

Barney. 0, come down man! come down! Sure, it's not the 
stars I care for, I'm yuking to know what the earl my master 
is fixing for his grace the duke. 

Fel. Well, this is it. The duke stands high at court. His 
faith is sound, and his loyalty to the queen bound, so that he 
may move even at a cross without suspect; and as he hath 
already shown some softness for the Scottish queen, the earl 
your maestro thinks him well that he may be easily led, and if 
he be, and should avow and sue for favor with the Scot, and so 
entangle himself in love's silken net as to forget for a little loy- 
alty, he would thereby draw the queen's resent. But to hold 
this off for a season, your maestro will seek, with Sir Nicholas' 
ready help, to gain a member or so of the council in this plan, 
by pleading the stress of the queen, and the shifting of the 
burden from the shoulders of her majesty to the heart of the 
duke. It is his reach to slip the secretary, Sir William, in, and 
then, when he has fully consented, with others, to the alliance of 
the Scottish queen with the duke, he will betray all to her maj- 
esty the queen his mistress as if by accident. Then, slipping to 
cove himself, will smile when those who followed his tole, re- 
ceive the smart of the queen's hot tongue. And 'tis his hope, 
based on the success of other schemes, that such a flood of wrath 



116 THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

shall flow, as shall sweep Sir William, with a hanger on or two, 
smooth out the council chamber. And then, when like drown- 
ing rats they trail to shore, hell draw so much of vulgar gaze 
to their sorry plight, that they shall lose all fitness for future 
greatness. And in the tumble of these lords the Scottish queen 
will get her dim ; for the queen, to make good prevent of other 
haps will quickly lop her head, and so the earl your maestro 
will by this stroke meet the sweetness of his wait. 

[Bell heard without. 

Barney. May the good Lord protect us! Sure, but master 
has a head! Holy mother, but he's a sly one. But I believe that's 
his ring. [Exit. 

Eel. Measure for measure; man for man. I, too, think the 

earl a sly one. 

Enter Leicester. 

Good Maestro, I have waited with some impatience your com- 
ing, because of the importance of the hour. 

Lei. I have dreaded with some impatience your presence. 

Eel. The gods, Maestro, must have winged my coming. 

Lei. Not the gods, but plainly your own interest. But 
enough of " I." Hark you, there be urgent need for your im- 
mediate presence in the vicinity of the Scot. First then, convey 
to the Duke of Norfolk the full assurance of my friendship, and 
say to him that I have counseled well to the furtherance of his 
interests. Say, also, that I have so approached the queen with 
the import of his desire, that I have partly opened the way for 
its easy fulfilling. Say, also, to the Scottish queen, that the 
queen my mistress may not look with disfavor upon this new 
turn, and force home to her the largeness of my interest in her 
affairs; but in the playing of your tongue forget not the use of 
your eyes, and so keep your ears in readiness that they may 
prompt your lips to rehearse to me the fullness of all that hath 
transpired of interest in this matter. 

Fel. Shall I go at once, Maestro* How of the other matter? 

Lei. Yes, at once; and of the other matter make abeyance. 
This most needs the earnestness of our immediate intent. 
Here's the needful pass. Show it, but do not deliver it up. On 



gCEffE in.] THE QUEENS. 117 

your return, if you find me not here, send to me the import of 
your errand, if it be important. [Exit Felango. 

words, words! how many meanings have thy uses. That 
which to friend doth assure him joy, doth, without change, in an 
enemy's ears, shape offense. The " hallowed be " and " amen " 
of our prayers we oft warp to basest ends. If it thus be gain 
to so distort the weight of speech, he is best, at least outwardly, 
whose stock of words doth make the greater show; and knave 
may distance churchmen in the race, if he but have an oily 
tongue and smiling face. [Exit Leicester. 

Scene III. Boom in Bolton Castle. 
Enter Queex Mary and Bishop of Ross. 

Bishop of B. May it please your most gracious Majesty, I am 
of truth pleased if my coming hath brought you pleasure. 

Q. Mary. Tour Reverence doth, indeed, by your presence 
and your holy words confer sweetest pleasure. So dully doth 
time drag, and so poorly decked is it with joy, that I am sadly 
off with this great lack of earth's poor joys. But your good 
and comforting words of cheer, your Reverence, stayed as they 
are by your words of tender piety, bring to me a sweetness long 
a stranger to my days of captivity. 

Bishop of R. May it please your Majesty, as I may not pro- 
long this interview, I would come at once at the fullness of my 
mission. 

Q. Mary. I do the more cheerfully hear you, your Reverence, 
for the assurance of your holy office doth give me the knowledge 
that your offer of counsel shall not have in it other than that 
meant for my peace. I know and feel that you, your Reverence, 
can not bring me harm. 

Bishop of B. Not harm, your Majesty, but balm I would offer 
you. Your friends, while they may not cast down, as yet, the 
walls that so cruelly hold you, are still mindful of your distress, 
and, in their prayers, they petition heaven for your speedy 
delivery. And, as if in answer to their supplications, there has 
arisen within the souls of your best and most tried friends a 
hearty desire to see you bettered. His grace the noble Duke of 
Norfolk, of good report and most elegant mien, hath joined your 



118 THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

friends with such earnestness that he hath bethought him most 
prayerfully how he may best work for your Majesty's comfort 
and peace. 

Q. Mary. His grace the Duke of Norfolk is, indeed, of most 
noble blood, and, already, I have ^ within my heart a strange 
interest that he should think well of me. 

Bishop of B. Your Majesty, it be, forsooth, a happy turn that 
you have this sweet interest in your heart, for it is his deep 
concern in your affairs that has so warmed his heart. 

Q. Mary. Your Reverence, do you plead as an ambassador 
from Cupid ? If this be the weight of your mission, think you 
not that so tender a dint would fall with more softness, and be 
more to the liking, if it were delivered alone by the heart that 
prompted it ? 

Bishop of B. Your Majesty, happy indeed would his grace 
the duke feel, if he might be privileged to betray himself to so 
sweet a listener. 

Q. Mary. One may not offer, your Reverence, except where 
the proffer seems desired by act of the intended recipient. 

Bishop of B. Far be it, your Majesty, from me to attempt 
the role of negotiator in matters where the heart is concerned. 
But as in nature the grateful summer showers are oft forerun 
by gusts of boisterous wind, so I, by my rude bluster, woulgl but 
herald the approach of a gentler shower of words from one 
whom you have met before, but in the meeting had not tilt with 
lover's lance, but fair and square in fortune's field, fought out 
the fight of right and wrong. 

Q. Mary. Your Reverence, I am poor at spae. Pray tell me 
whom did I tilt with that shall now again measure lance with 
me? 

Bishop of B. He whom I would summon, and who doth at- 
tend without, is one who, in fortune's turn hath lost his gilt, and 
in the losing laid down his bond to claims of other days; and 
now that he no longer serves a creature powered by wrong, he 
hath renewed his honorableness, and so joined himself to your 
friends; and as one still trusted in a measure by your foes, he 
would audience with your Majesty, that he may bespeak the 
good intentions of the honorable Duke of Norfolk. From your 



Scene hi.] THE QUEENS. 119 

past experience, not knowing the salutations now borne to you 
by this, your new friend, you would ne'er call his name, save in 
dread. And did I not tell you that your distress hath softened 
even the hardest heretofore against you, you would " Oh! " 
when I tell you that without waits the past ambassador of the 
queen, your afore tormentor, Sir Nicholas Throgmorton. 

Q. Maty. That man ! Save it were your words, your Rever- 
ence, that gave me this information, it would pall me to know of 
his nearness. 

Bishop of B. Your Majesty, that your distress hath won so 
stiff a man, doth exhibit how much the spread of this injustice 
against you hath worked within the hearts of all. This, your 
past adversary, would now siege your heart, and he doth bear 
on his lips the full desires of his grace the Duke of Norfolk, 
touching his interest in your affairs. 

The sudden turning of your fortunes, and the falling away of 
men whom you had esteemed as friends, has taught me pru- 
dence. With the ding of bitter lessons, as a prompt to safety, 
I did listen to the approaches of Sir Nicholas. Of his grace 
the Duke of Norfolk I had little doubt, and less fear, for our 
good faith doth run in not a few of his clan. So, when Sir 
Nicholas did acquaint me with his mission, as speaker for the 
duke, I did but canvass his words, as was proper; and when 
they made no offense, either by the message they brought, or 
the manner of it, I did, by much labor, secure permission for 
his entrance into your presence, and now but need your royal 
sanction, and the evidence of your pleasure, to bid him break 
to you, as he can better do than I, that whereof hath met the 
approval of your friends, and hath from my heart the earnest 
of my prayers. 

Q. Mary. If this agent doth bring, your Reverence, the hope 
of peace, and doth offer the succor of friends, I will, of truth, 
hear him; for so hungry is my soul for a bettering of my 
fortunes, that I would welcome any who might proffer to me a 
grain of hope. Bid this, then, your friend and my friend enter, 
and God grant that his message shall be the prelude of happier 

iys. 

Bishop of B. Your Majesty, before we hear this embassy 



120 THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

from his grace the duke, may we not learn what cheer our 
agent, Stephens, may have; for, by the providence of God, he 
hath safely passed all suspicion, and is now with us again. Will 
your Majesty hear him ? 

Q. Mary. Of truth, I will most gladly hear this, our faithful 
friend. God grant he bring me sweet cheer. 
Bishop o/B. Will your Majesty summon an attendant? 

[Mary blows a whistle. 
Enter Page. 

Say to the first gentleman in the ante-room that her majesty 
awaits his presence. This your agent, your Majesty, has with 
much peril despatched your commands. [Exit Page. 

Enter Stephens. 

Ah ! Good friend, I bid you welcome, and as your presence doth 
bespeak the arrival of messages from friends, I can the more 
readily bid you salute her majesty the queen. 

Steph. Most gracious Majesty, I read in your face an earnest 
longing for pleasant greeting. I would to God that such of 
merit as I bring were increased a thousand fold. 

Q. Mary. I do bid you welcome, and as you are but a bearer 
of news, not a maker, I receive with grace your proffered offer, 
and your sweet wish. My heart has hushed its long-delayed 
hope of great fortune fast arriving, and so content am I with 
heaven's dealings that I do make even my small comforts a 
thanksgiving. 

Bishop of B. Do you bring despatches ? 

Steph. Only such, your Reverence, as I may deliver by word 
of mouth. The heartless barbarity of your keepers, your 
Majesty, forbid my delivering such despatches as I had. Your 
Reverence, are we without listeners, save ourselves? 

Bishop o/B. In this room, yes. 

Q. Mary. I know not what life these walls may have, nor 
what eyes do look upon us unbidden. I know but this, that 
from my long detention, and the strictness of the watch, I have 
learned caution. Whatsoever communication you have to make, 
let it not be over loud, for, if there be cars other than our own, 
they belong to those who have not kindly tongues, and they 



Scene hi.] THE QUEENS. 121 

might, should their reasons demand it, so twist even the innocent 
babblings of a babe that in its rehearsal it would be treason. 

Bishop ofB. Has word been returned from His Holiness the 
Pope? What message sent the King of Spain? 

Steph. We have from the Holy Father, your Eeverence, first 
his blessing on our undertaking, and the full assurance that 
when once the blow has been struck he will render substantial 
assistance. The King of Spain may not openly send arms, but 
he gladly bears the expense of an hundred agents, and he but 
waits your sanction, your Majesty, to despatch a goodly number 
of trusty men at once. 

Q. Mary. The fullness of the plan, your Reverence, hath not 
as yet been detailed to me. I do trust mine advisers, and only 
ask that this affair shall be so conducted as to avoid slaughter. 

Bishop ofR. Your Majesty, your friends who have planned 
this enterprise have first consulted, with deep reverence, your 
own immediate interests, knowing full well that in return of your 
better fortune, the church shall receive that recognition which it 
merits from your Royal Highness. It is our purpose to so inter- 
est the lords and estates within this realm, who still maintain 
their loyalty to the true church, that they shall see that in your 
liberty and rightful acknowledgment their interests will be im- 
proved. There be not a few, your Majesty, even among those 
who seem to accept the new order, that would, should your 
cause make a formidable showing, attach themselves to your in- 
terests. Among these we may first claim his grace the Duke of 
Norfolk. He hath afore manifested deep concern in your wel- 
fare, and hath gained for himself not a little of the queen's dis- 
pleasure, because of his honorableness in dealing with your 
Majesty's case. 

Q. Mary. His grace the Duke of Norfolk is indeed of gentle 
blood, and of such kindly thoughts, and so mildly mannered, 
that I do feel encouraged to hear you proclaim that such as he 
do openly defend me. 

Bishop o/R. Not only openly defend you, your Majesty, but 
yet more deeply doth he speak of yourself and your affairs. 

Steph. The burden of my message, your Majesty, be not for- 



122 THE QUEENS. [Act m. 

eign, but doth partake of matters relating more nearly to the 
Duke of Norfolk and his interest in your Majesty. 

Q. Mary. I will hear you, and as you have promised that 
your message contained a little cheer, I do trust that you are to 
make disclosure of that whereof I had hoped. 

Steph. Let me say first, your Majesty, that in the North coun- 
tries, around about my Lord Northumberland, there be many 
who have banded themselves together in your interest, and but 
wait a favorable moment to strike the blow that shall restore 
you to liberty and your throne. And hereabouts there are those 
who do meet secretly, and are so strongly bolstered by your 
friends in France, that they do even now labor to restrain their 
spirit, and but need to receive the promised help from the North 
to lead them to make the move that shall restore you. From 
long closeting, and after much counsel, your friends have de- 
cided that it were better that you do hold convent with the Duke 
of Norfolk. I am assured that he has not only healthy plans for 
your betterment, but he has also the means for executing them. 
In proof of this, I have but to crave of your Majesty permission 
to introduce a gentleman, who in this matter acts as his agent, 
and who waits without subject to your pleasure. 

Q. Mary. Your Reverence, is it meet that I do receive this 
gentleman? 

Bishop ofB. Such, your Majesty, is the better thought of 
your friends. 

Q. Mary. As I have trusted my friends thus far, I may not 
endanger myself by a further exhibition of confidence. Doth 
this gentleman await within summons ? 

Steph. Your Majesty, he doth but tarry without the door. 

[The queen bloivs whistle. 
Enter Page. 

Bishop o/B. Say to the gentleman who doth await, that it is 
her majesty's pleasure that he do enter. 

Q. Mary. Your Reverence, if I do exhibit a lack of quickness 
in meeting the speech of Sir Nicholas, I pray you make not too 
great a note of it, for so oft have we rode at arms, and so freely 
have we struck, that I may, from force of habit, so exhibit my 
guard that in our first round we may seem more like knights 



Scene in.] THE QUEENS. 123 

with prize in sight than friends who would seek a conference of 
loving proffer. 

Enter Theogmorton. 

Throg. Most gracious Majesty, I had it on my lips to salute 
you by proffering lamentations for your sad plight, but the 
sweetness of your face and the royalty of your grace do disarm 
all small pity, and loudly call for the full marshaling of friendly 
homage, and earnest reverence for this your exhibition of noble 
comity. True royalty may not be dethroned; and while mis- 
fortune may for a time encompass honest worth with distress, 
the divinity of truth and the providence of God shall vouchsafe 
the happy delivery of one so deserving, who is the embodiment 
of royal worth. 

Q. Mary. Your words, good Sir Nicholas, have in them a far 
different tout than had they when last we met. I may not 
question your honesty now, if the remembrance of your afore- 
time coldness will but continue its march into the dim distance 
of friendly forgetfulness. As you are introduced by friends, you 
are a friend ; and as such I give you the full welcome of mine 
heart, and such cheer as the narrowness of mine accommodations 
affords. 

Throg. In behalf of him for whom I would well wish that I 
might more elegantly say, I accept the proffer of your welcome ; 
for myself, I do count this as a golden hour, for it be the preface 
of my earnest to undo the coldness of the past between us two. 

Q. Mary. As you did act but as an agent, I will not remem- 
ber you as having of your own accord sought to work me harm. 
And as the past bore me but little profit, I fear we shall find it 
still less of gain to dig among the ashes of dead hopes and buried 
joys. Let us rather bravely meet the present, trusting that the 
lessons of the past shall the better fit us to advantage whatever of 
blessings be in store for us. 

Throg. Your Majesty, your long imprisonment hath not 
robbed you of happy speech, and your wit doth seem to grow 
with your days of sorrow. You have reached at one spang the 
very center of the matter wherewith I am commissioned; and, 
as I am limited in my stay, and, also, that I am blunt of man- 
ner, and know not the softer forms of cunning, I would deliver 



124 THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

myself plainly, and seeking to avoid offense, hold to such close- 
ness of directions as will save me from the missing of anything 
of importance. 

Q. Mary. Your approach, good Sir Nicholas, hath been so 
announced that you are well saved much bush-heating, and 
press of time can well excuse good plainness. 

Throg. This, then, your Majesty, is the matter I have in 
hand. His grace the Duke of Norfolk, of whose interest you are 
no stranger, has, by the advice of friends, and his own inclina- 
tion, commissioned me to crave of your Majesty the gracious 
privilege of an interview. And this he does the more boldly ask 
in that he has afore conferred with your friends, among whom 
stands first your most trusted embassador, his reverence the 
Bishop of Ross. I may nut enter into the details, your Majesty, 
or even shadow the import of the designs and ends of his grace 
the duke. These have been so freely discussed among your 
friends, and you have been kept so well informed, that, mayhap, 
you have this matter better in hand even than I. My office only 
includes the soliciting of your approval to the interview. When 
this I do happily possess, and the naming of a suitable day, at 
the pleasure of your Majesty, I may well consider the success of 
my mission as having been abundant. 

Q. Mary. Your Reverence, hath this matter been concluded 
between the friends ¥ And be there no overreaching of propriety 
in my granting this reasonable request of his grace the Duke of 
Norfolk? 

Bishop ofR. The matter, your Majesty, hath been fully dis- 
cussed, and the conclusions fully meet the desires expressed by 
Sir Nicholas. 

Q. Mary. That I may exhibit my confidence in my friends, 
and display my trust in his grace the Duke of Norfolk, know- 
ing full well that one of such gentle blood and noble Christian 
spirit must bring me great sweetness, and much peace, by con- 
sent in.LC to interest himself in my poor affairs, I, therefore, 
fully second the advice of my friends, and freely grant the noble 
duke this interview, and leave to you, as his agent and friend, 
such arrangements as are necessary to meet the designs. This 
I do without exacting a pledge, believing fully that one of such 



Scene iv.] THE QUEENS. 125 

Christian nobility as his grace the duke, would scorn a selfish 
advantage, and refuse an unfair deal. 

Throg. This, indeed, fully meets the expectation of your 
friends, and the hopes of his grace the Duke of Norfolk. And 
now, that I may not awake suspicion that shall cloud this 
happy- issue, I would crave, your Majesty, your sweet indulgence 
for my speedy departure, to the end that I may bear quickly 
your gracious consent to the anxious duke. 

Q. Mary. I do, indeed, grant you your withdrawal, and 
praise your faithfulness. Say to his grace the Duke of Norfolk, 
that I do send my heart's best wish for his good welfare, and 
bid him accept the assurance of my poor prayers. 

Throg. Your Majesty, that I may not disturb your hallowed 
wishes, I would, in going, crave that you do remember me, not 
as of old, but as your friend. {Exit Throgmorton. 

Q. Mary. God grant that this move hath in store for me a 
promise of brighter days. 

Bishop of B. God give to thee the fullness of thy hope. 
Your Majesty, may we not now prepare the reply to the mes- 
sages % [Exeunt. 

Scene IV. Audience Boom in Bichmond House, London. 

Enter Queen Elizabeth, Lady Knollys, Lady Sheffield, 
Lady Francis Howard, and Countess of Nottingham. 

Q. Eliz. Your good words do set me so fine a note that I am 
more than half inclined to humor you silly bilkers. 

Countess of N. May it please your Majesty, of this suit I 
have, in your interest, made earnest canvass. 

Q. Eliz. If you have made yourself over busy with this my 
affair, you have jarred that which should have run with sweet 
glabrity. 

Countess ofN. Only so far, your Majesty, have I spoken in 
this your cause, as would give me audience with your own 
court. 

Q. Eliz. My own court have not all of them such an over- 
burden of prudence as would give them the full liberty of my 
affairs, and more especially in affaires cPamour. 



126 THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

Lady She/. I pray, your Majesty, make unto us a yet more 
open avowal of the duke's pleading; it hath in it so much that 
doth awake the tenderest depths of our souls, that we yearn for 
more; and envy of your lot is but checked in us by the remem- 
brance of the royalty of the lover. 

Q. Eliz. These French do most bewitching exhibit their 
tenderness. The royal duke of Anjou doth, indeed, most 
stoutly display his passion; for, such words, such stringing 
together of tender phrases do well nigh shake my resolve. 

I do acknowledge my trust in you, that I do permit this taste, 
and mind you, but a taste, of French delices. [Beads. 

II Your Most Gracious and Grandly Beautiful Majesty. So 
long hath my heart made its hopeless siege, that the army of 
my blood is ivell nigh stricken with the poverty of waiting. 
Lulling sleep hath forsaken my eyes, and I am become as one 
stricken. My days are so filled with the longing of my soul, 
and the necessity of thy presence, that I have forgotten the 
changes of day and night, and night and day. 

u In thinking of thee I am drowned in a sweet sea of expect- 
ancy. 0, make to me some signal that shall bridge the space 
between us; for so rebellious hath my heart become ivith the 
restraint of its unsatisfied longings, that it zvill turn and devour 
itself if it cannot, in thy dear presence, plead its loving 
cause." 

There, I will read no more; such as this is not for you. You 
two have had your tastes of sweets, and now are far too dry to 
relish this, only as a bit of gossip. Mind you now, I have 
made such a show of this affair as doth but poorly display how 
far the honorable duke hath prospered in his suit. There be in 
this, I have read, nothing that doth betray how great a breach 
the duke hath made in the citadel of my heart. 

Lady Shef Your Majesty hath left us so unsatisfied that we 
have, indeed, good need to re-collect some stray straws of 
lover's gleanings in other days, to fill the space we did make for 
a yet fuller hearing of the duke's most tender and loving avowal. 

Q. Eliz. You have no need, my lady, to go back into your 
tender years to search for straws of love; for so careless have 
you been in your recent gleaning, that not alone the straws of 



Scene it.] THE QUEENS. 127 

your stolen sweets do betray you, but the field of your garner- 
ing hath been so near, and so thoughtless have the reapers 
been, that they have dropped a straw or two, and so exposed 
their over-burden of stolen sweets. 

Lady She/. I fear, your Majesty, that poisoned scandal, dis- 
guised as harmless gossip, hath prattled to you over much. 

Q. Eliz. Not over much, but to your liking over plain. 

Lady She/. I pray, your Majesty, that your allusions be yet 
the better plained, to the end that, if I recognize any grain of 
truth that be mixed with this chaff of falsehood, I may so testify, 
that I be not in danger of losing your Majesty's esteem. 

Q. Eliz. [To Lady Howard.] Go you, my dears, to the 
ante-room, and there arrange my frame; and at my call have it 
brought hither. 

[All exeunt but Lady Sheffield. 

That we have brought this matter to such a degree of 
understanding that I can the further exhibit my mind, doth, 
indeed, occur most fortunate. It is my fast intent to so frame 
my words that the meat of them shall be food for your consid- 
eration. 

Lady She/. I pray, your Majesty 

Q. Eliz. Save your prayers, that they may the better console 
your awakened reflections. 

Lady She/. How ? am I to offer no explanations ? 

Q. Eliz. Explanations when demanded, excuses none! 

Lady She/. Such excuses as I have 

Q. Eliz. You may keep to prop your own lamentings. It is 
my pleasure that you do hear me out, and vouchsafe only such 
replies as answer my intimations. It hath not escaped my no- 
tice, nor yet duller eyes at court, that you have often so far for- 
gotten your station and surroundings as to not only permit, but 
encourage, the amorous advances of the Earl of Leicester. The 
surfacing of your guilty blood doth prove my accusations, and 
your eyes do yet more plainly speak the truth in your shame's 
language. Much hath been repeated to me that I have credited 
to idle gossip, but what mine own eyes have seen I must per- 
force believe. Look you, as you and the earl, in company with 
others, did quit my presence yesternight, think you my eyes 



128 THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

failed in their office, or that my senses deceived me, when I not 
only saw the earl's tender looks, but the guilty answering of 
your own over-ready passion ? 

Lady She/. But, your Majesty, have I control 

Q. Eliz. Of your own person, yes; because you do admire 
your rounded neck, and do waste your hours in training for a 
more amorous expose of your acquired charms, think you that 
thereby the Earl of Leicester hath privileges which should 
belong alone to thy wedded lord f 

Lady She/. But, your Majesty, I have no lord, being widowed. 

Q. Eliz. That doth but the better assert your need to yet 
even more modesty. Think you that you can toy with this vain 
man, and yet escape a greater hurt? See to it! If you do not 
make the earl a stranger to your name, I shall so snuff out your 
light that you shall have need to seek in other fields a lover less 
near the court. [Rings a bell 

Enter Page. 

[To Page.] Conduct Lady Sheffield to the salon. 

[Exeunt Page and Lady Sheffield. 

[Taking out the letter from her bosom.] 0, words that warm 
my heart, 0, lines that answer the longings of my soul, come, 
dew my eyes again with thy loving breath. 0, realm, 0, 
crown, 0, power and pomp, all your incertain grandeur have 
not in them the sweet content for woman's heart as have these 
words, if they be true. 

Queen, thou art swallowed up in that yet sweeter word — 
" wife; " and king, thou dost shrink to naught beside the tender- 
ness of that other name, sweeter still, " husband. " I look about 
me and see, within my beck and call, that for which the world 
doth strive, and seek to gain, and in the gaining count it prize; 
and yet the weight of this, and all the power and might of this 
royal station would I glad exchange for one true, faithful, hon- 
est, loving heart to call my own. These who dance in mockery 
about my throne, and bow and cringe with borrowed reverence, 
do small favor to my better self. 

He who to-day doth pawn his soul to gain royal favor, would, 
to-morrow, barter away that favor that he might gain the smile 
of some new face, even if in his gain he encompass me with 



Scene iv.] THE QUEENS. 129 

harm. Who have I, that with unselfishness loves me ? They 
whose ends I meet, and whose plans I urge with friendly zeal, 
do lend me but the semblance of love; and so thin a thing is it, 
that the mere approach of disaster doth shatter the sentiment, 
born but to deceive. 

0, earth; in thy busy round be there not some place where 
mortals do remember something of their god-like nature ? and 
keep sweet and pure the peace of heaven's love? 0, that there 
were some clinie where deception had not tainted all, and where 
the eye in its answering look would speak alone the truth. 
[Pats letter into her bosom.] Thou herald of what should be 
true, nestle close within my heart. If fate doth rob me of a 
fuller knowledge of thy better essence, heaven grant that naught 
may transpire to mar the remembrance of my more charitable 
thought, that he hath writ the truth. 

But what matter if this boy doth or doth not love? Have I 
not here at my very feet a lover yet more tender ? I do let this 
French boy prattle, for his lines do prank an idle hour, and by 
my show of interest I bind the eyes of envy, and still the speech 
of scandal. But my heart is afire with an unholy anger that 
doth eat away my ease. [Rings bell. 

Enter Page. 

Say to my Lord Leicester that I do desire his presence. 

[Exit Page. 
0, God ! calm my aching heart and troubled mind. 

Enter Leicester. 

Lei. Your Majesty, I attend upon your gracious pleasure. 
Make to me a command for proof. 

Q. Eliz. My Lord, see you not in my eyes the throbs of my 
breaking heart ? This play at words between us doth sorely 
hurt. Your soft parry cloth but increase the smart. [Taking 
Ms hand,] 0, my Lord, this poor seeming hath in it but the 
shadow of satisfaction. I pray you, throw off this pomp of 
court, and give me that for which I long, the realness of your 
honest self. 

Lei. Your Majesty, the affairs of state require such earnest 
thought that I do lament the need of this poor seeming. If 



130 . THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

your words to me do grieve your heart, how think you they rest 
within my bruised soul. 

Q. Eliz. Tou are yourself, my Lord, not so much to he 
pitied for this hurt to your heart, for it is common gossip at 
court that the Earl of Leicester doth wear his heart upon his 
sleeve, so it is ever within easy reach of hurt. 

Lei. If it be true, your Majesty, that my heart be upon my 
sleeve, it hath but crept from its hiding place that it may the 
nearer be to thy dear self. 

Q. Eliz. 0, good Earl, if your words were as true as they 
sound, I would well change my throne for a continuance of thy 
companionship; but, true or false, they be indeed, such words 
as the good and true do use, and so I make of them the most 
their sound doth imply. But tell me, within the hour have not 
other ears than mine heard this same speech? 

Lei. I pray your Majesty, make no jest of this, my most earnest 
thought. Have I not made proof of the full strength of this, 
my interest ? 

Q. Eliz. 0, that mine ears were deaf to other words than 
these. So sweet is this your avowal, that I could well wish no 
harsher news had offered. I would, indeed, prolong this span 
and crave repeating of your tender speech, but so loudly doth the 
clamor of gossip assail my sense, that I would do violence to 
judgment did I keep back the exhibit of the report borne to me. 

Lei. How oft, your Majesty, shall I cleanse your mind from 
rude slander and false report. If the envious do so offend as to 
salute your ears with base untruths, your patient listening doth 
but encourage the sin. 

Q. Eliz. Nay, not alone what I hear doth hurt, but what 
mine eyes have seen doth grieve me most. 

Lei. Seen ! pray who hath bewitched thine eyes % 

Q. Eliz. Nay, rather, who hath bewitched your heart? 

Lei. The answer to your question, your Majesty, doth leave 
mine unanswered; but as your wish is a command, I can but 
say I am bewitched of thee. 

Q. Elig. 0, loo] that I am, to maw this cloyless sweet that 
must ere long prove bitter. But no, I will unburden. So long 
bath this sting made pain in my heart that it hath winged to my 



Scene iv.] THE QUEENS. 131 

lips this my right protest. Look you ! seek not to soften, either 
by words, of however sweet a sound, nor yet by leaking eyes, 
the full weight of my accuse. 

Leu I pray, your Majesty, let not the foulness of this slander 
so heat your words as to urge the sweetness of your soul into 
use of words that to-morrow may bring regretfulness ; rather let 
me thus [puts his arm around her] assure you of my willingness 
to faithfully do your bidding, and show how much I am your 
slave. 

Q. Eliz. Slave! nay I am the slave. Slave to this poor weak 
heart of mine, which, in its sickening thirst for forbidden love, 
doth assume a weakness that doth unfit my soul for the sterner 
tasks of my exalted station. 

Lei. Not so, your Majesty, not so; your crown doth exhibit 
your royalty ; but this glimpse of your true woman's heart doth 
show more of greatness than all the pomp of throne. 

Q. Eliz. 0, you do half tempt me to be what this poor weak- 
ness doth prompt. But no, if I forget all that hath within my 
presence been broached, I still have the evidence of mine own 
eyes, which, alas, your soft words cannot blind. 

Lei. I pray, your Majesty, what be this thing that hath so 
offended, that even soft a.ppeal when forced by truth and can- 
dor's might doth yet so sore perplex you ? 

Q. Eliz. Look you, yesternight be not so far away that you 
have need to tax your memory o'er much to recall that it was in 
this very room, at close of hour, you did escort my Lady 
Sheffield from out my presence. Think you my eyes have 
grown so weak that they see not beyond the draperies of yon 
door? 

Leu I pray, your Majesty, let not the uncertainties of shadows, 
and the mistake in person so bewilder your recollection as to 
make accuse of so simple a thing as my retiring in the company 
of Lady Sheffield. 

Q. Eliz. Not so much in the retiring, my Lord, as the manner 
of it. 

Lei. How? 

Q. Eliz. Gallantry, my Lord, doth in this court meet my 



132 THE QUEENS. [Act m. 

hearty approval, but there be bounds which even a knight must 
not pass. 

Lei. If I have without intention 

Q. Eliz, Not without intention, but it is the with intention 
that doth grieve me. But 0, my Lord, make no further parley. 
I saw your soft caress, and read that look within your eyes, 
which I was fool enough to think I alone could well. Had 
another disturbed me from my dream, the awakening would have 
had in it so much of doubt, that I might yet have had a grain 
of pleasure left; but this rude awakening evidence of mine own 
eyes, robs me of the kind shift that doubt might have brought, 
and forces the cruel iron into my very soul. 

Lei. The evidence even of queenly eyes, when dimmed by 
tears, may not always be such as would meet full approval in 
more sober moments. 

Q. Eliz. Your acts, while yet in sight, did but hint the 
broader scope of your intent when in the field of fuller liberties. 

Lei. This is my field, and you are the giver of my opportu- 
nities- I have no longing for other fields, nor lament the ab- 
sence of more golden opportunities, save that the decrees of fate 
do so much keep me from thy side. I feel the loss that you are 
so much by cares of realm engrossed that I must at a distance 
gaze and worship the object of my heart. 

Q. Eliz. 0, poor, weak woman ! and I the weakest of them 
all. 0, what hunger hath my soul that it doth feast on these 
poor, stale crumbs? 

Lei. Not so, your Majesty, not so ! These are the virgin 
fruits of this my heart. I pray you no longer strive with your 
better self. See [puts his arm about her], you are not weak; 
for in my pride I have oft dubbed myself as strong, yet I no 
greater exhibit make of my manly strength than this — the sur- 
render of my heart and soul to thee. 

Q. Eliz. I know not the terms that men at arms do use when 
they surrender all, but hero, if this my speech be poor, it be not be- 
cause it lacketh truth. By this act I make forget of hurt and 
harm of yesternight. I would not longer have you make denial, 
tor in the denial you must needs repeat the act, andsoearagain 



Scene iv.J THE QUEENS. 133 

my soul; rather let me as a queen forget, but as a hungry- 
hearted woman feast on your soft words. 

Lei. Thou art now, indeed, your Majesty, more a queen than 
ever ; and of all your willing, faithful subjects write me down as 
first and truest. Now that sweeter, better thoughts do troop 
within your kindly heart, pray lend me a moment of this bliss 
that I may forge it into a shield for your own protection. Know 
you not this Scot, that doth so trouble your ease and threaten 
the safety of your realm, should be more carefully housed ? 

Q. Eliz. How so? Are not the walls of Bolton Castle strong 
enough % 

Lei. Not their strength, your Majesty, doth give concern, but 
rather the easy ope of the gate, and the too free admittance of 
meddlesome herds. 

Q. Eliz. This Scot be so well guarded, at least such has been 
my command, that none may approach her save such as be loyal 
to ourselves. 

Lei. I would not add, your Majesty, to your weight of cares, 
yet I should doubt mine own loyalty did I seek to hide the need 
of closer watch. 

Q. Eliz. Such as are about this person are fully trusted. If 
there be those who from curiosity, or yet baser motives, seek 
audience, they have not the means to do more than stain their 
own names by semblance of disobedience, and bending to senti- 
ments of weakness. 

Lei. I make no question, your Majesty, of their weakness, 
and my testimony will bear witness to the fact that there be 
both weak and wicked persons who do visit the Scot. 

Q. Eliz. I am not ignorant of the fact that there be those 
who seek to use this wily Scot, that they may better their own 
advancement ; but I hold that their plans have in them so little 
promise, that the striving for their fulfillment will but expose 
their weakness. 

Lei. Your Majesty has presumed to make full trust of the 
loyalty of those who may seek the presence of this your unwel - 
come visitor. I pray you, think me not over harsh, or so tem- 
pered with suspicion as to misjudge those whom you have 
trusted. Loyalty, your Majesty, hath in these days become so 



134 THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

strangely mixed with selfishness, that he judges himself most 
loyal who is most mindful of his own interests. As an evidence 
of my concern in the adjusting of this affair to your betterment, 
I would ask the confidence of your attention. 

Howbeit, there are those who are not of the faith even, nor 
yet of the country, as is this Scot, and those, too, who have so 
loudly proclaimed their loyalty that they are conspicuous in the 
assemblies, as steadfast to your cause, who have yet so inter- 
ested themselves in the affairs of this woman that honest men 
have attributed their motives either to overzeal or to bewilder- 
ment, induced by such desires as influence the baser sort, when 
brought in contact with dependent beauty in distress. 

Q. Eliz. I pray you, why so loudly proclaim this weak thing 
as a queenly beauty ? Have you, too, had your head turned 
by those dimpled cheeks, which, alas ! but mask so deceitful a 
heart? If you have no better name than beauty in which to 
pronounce your reference to my thorn, I pray you make yet 
further search within your store of words ; forgetting for once 
this vulgar craze that seeks to use in public mind, this poor 
geek from the north, and give to me a meaning less fraught with 
hurt than this you do so glibly fling. 

Lei. I did but use the term, your Majesty, the better to 
install your good sense with that wherewith, at least some of 
thy courtiers, have caught moon-blindness. 

Q. Eliz. What say you, of truth, hath this weak gadder 
inflamed the hearts of England's stouter sons ? I pray you, if 
there be those who have bartered loyalty and right for smile of 
deceit, make me acquaint with names and estates, that I may 
with righteous visitation call back their better blood, that it 
may flow again within the channel of loyalty. 

Lei. My observation, your Majesty, hath, as yet, but 
noticed feverish symptoms of weakly heat, not enough to war- 
rant measures over strong, but yet sufficient to prompt caution. 
I beseech your Majesty, that you do so far trust my discretion 
as to grant me permission to so broaden my watch as to include 
all within my suspect. 

Q. Eliz. My Lord, give me the full depth of thine eye, nor 
seek to hold back reflections of your heart. Answer me truly, 



Scene iv.] THE QUEENS. 135 

are not these words of yours such as the envious would make 
use of? 

Lei. Your Majesty, if I have presumed too far in your interest, 
I will recall my suspicions, and so harbor my forces that they 
may protect my interests alone. 

Q. Eliz. The words of your tame resentment to less trained 
ears might indeed force reproach upon my shadowed suspicion. 

Lei. That I may no longer burden you with the care of 
watching a volunteer watcher, I will, by your leave, take dis- 
charge of this matter. 

Q. Eliz. My Lord, by what means came you to the knowledge 
that helps your suspicions ? 

Lei, By this, your Majesty, am I to comprehend approval of 
my course ? 

Q. Eliz. Your term is too broad to meet sanction, without 
further explanation. 

Lei. If I have incurred royal displeasure by so slight ad- 
vances, I fear that greater hurt might follow yet deeper avowals. 

Q. Eliz. I pray you, my Lord, make no further scatter, but 
so point your words that I may see their meaning with less 
waste of time. 

Lei. I do admit, your Majesty, that as yet the shape of my 
suspicions doth lack definement, and, except in my own un- 
easiness, they have not so proportioned themselves as upon full 
statement to appear what my introduction would imply. But 
this with safety I may launch, and I crave your Majesty that 
you take no offense, for I do but state in terms of general speech 
the suspicion the presence of this Scot hath awakened. There 
be such interest in the divers turnings of her history that, when 
yoked with youth and comliness, a glamour is thrown about her 
that some judgments fail to break. And heads, not alone the 
young, but some with hoary crowns, have so been twisted out of 
sense's better path, that there be not a few who boastfully slap 
their thighs and prate of knightly tilt to free imprisoned youth ; 
and others, too old for sentiment's soft sway, see, in this willing 
tool, a step to an empty throne, and, perchance, the renewal of 
popish sway. 

Q. Eliz. If this be so, my Lord, there is, indeed, good need 



136 THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

for careful watch ; of truth, there can be none of mark who 
would so tempt fate as to tip lance in such unholy reach for 
glow. 

Lei. I pray, your Majesty, take not to yourself an over- 
weight of uneasiness because of this new turn. Trust to me 
the plumbing of any scheme or plot meant to work you harm. 
If there be those who would lay to your disquiet, I would, by 
your gracious permission, discover them to their dire confusion. 
Already I do hold in abeyance my acts touching the suspected, 
because of the absence of your sanction. 

Q. Eliz. That I do consent to thus commission you is a 
reproach upon my wit ; but that I may again make trial of your 
constancy, I do give to you this whereof you do seek. See to 
it. then, that you bring to me fullest information upon this 
matter. 

Lei. With this end in view, I would plan. So frail a pedes- 
tal has this churl hoisted herself upon, that could it be assailed 
by truth, the lured and enchanted might by exhibit of sicken- 
ing sights of murderous details, be sided back to perferment of 
right. 

Q. Eliz. Naught save good of realm doth make me to con- 
sent to this unsavory drag ; but as a prevent for greater ills I 
mind to use the less. But, my Lord, in the breadth of your 
statement, you have lost the singling of your suspicion; at 
least, I have missed the hearing of the suspected by name. 

Lei. Lest I be impelled by my zeal to suggil the innocent, I 
pray your Majesty let me so keep lock upon this which bath 
prompted the asking, that I may the freer act, bolstering this 
request with the assurance that both early and full report shall 
requite your indulgence. And now, for fear that I have created 
an unwarranted suspect, I crave that you, your Majesty, free 
your mind of the awakened uneasiness, and let me close this 
interview as it began, by sweeter speech and dearest converse, 
that I may thereby so honey the remembrance of this interview, 
that we may with pleasure recall only its beginning and its 
ending. 

Q. Eliz. I am warned by your words, my Lord, to still keep 
my wit on guard; for when you do make play with Cupid's 



Sceae v.] THE QUEENS. 137 

words, I must confess judgment would preach " beware. '' But 
you do so flavor your words, and you have learned so veil the 
paths to my weakness, that even my poor protest doth sound 
more like maiden's "no/' that meaneth "yes." But what 
matter f As one at banquet, who, by force of etiquette must 
taste a dish he doth not wish, and so repeat the forms of 
breeding that when at last the sweets are brought, which 
better fit his taste, his inclination is crowded out by forced o'er 
feeding, yet he doth maw the dainties, though they cloy; so I, 
after your long, unwelcome, yet perhaps needful speech, do 
accept your proffered sweets, knowing full well they are not 
food, but only sugared bits that shall ere long missit on my 
satiated, sober thought. 

Lei. Your Majesty's graciousness doth encourage the best 
within me. I have no need to form or forge words my heart 
would speak; for ready-coined within my soul are sweet, loyal 
thoughts, by thee as yet unmined. 

Q. Eliz. Too long, my Lord, too long have we consumed the 
time. While here exchanging words meant for us two alone, 
the urgent needs of state do clamor for our action. Go, but so 
use your time that in your deal with weightier affairs you may 
find a thought of me, that shall at least be a shadow of this 
hour. Go, and in your going hold this for my dear joy and your 
good talisman. [Gives him her hand.] [Exeunt. 

Scexe V. Boom in Bolton Castle. 

Enter Bishop of Ross and Duke of Xokfolk. 

Bishop ofB. To your comfort, I would say, your Grace, that 
the broaching of this matter did meet with such good reception 
from the queen that I hold that you need more of gentle woo- 
ing than urgent suing to find the queen right buxom to your 
pleading. 

DuJce o/N. I admit that I feel within my blood such moving 
of my better nature that I am nearly constrained to mend my 
purpose and sue for love alone. Think you a suit so proffered, 
with so poor a suitor, would meet with queenly favor ! 

Bislwp ofB. The queen, your Grace, hath afore spoken well 
in your favor, and so offered praise that you have but to recall 



138 THE QUEENS. [Act in. 

her words, that they may lend their force to your suit. As hap- 
pily you have already drawn the queen's esteem, when naught 
but affairs of the duller sort have lent their weight to your 
credit, may it not be now, when this more righteous show 
doth so fire your manhood as to display it to yet better advan- 
tage, that the approve you have had in calmer walks shall be so 
fanned by this more fortunate circumstance that words of praise 
shall not lag far behind words of laud ? 

Duke of N. It doth concern me most that I do first right- 
eously merit the love of your good mistress the queen. 

Bishop ofB. If you are seeking rewards, your Grace, for 
your deserts, I fear me that the Scots must plead a dearth of 
fitting returns for that which you so richly merit. 

Duke of N. That you have mind to make of my poor virtues 
such friendly praise, I pray you. that you do yet give further 
proof of your friendship by withholding not from me the just 
notice of mine infirmities. That your praise should indeed carry 
with it a conviction of your sincerity, it doth well need to be 
companioned with a reminder of my faults, to the end that I 
may so cultivate virtue as to lessen the weight of your censure, 
if such I need. 

Bishop ofR. At our age, your Grace, friends should not hes- 
itate to rightly name not only virtue, but faults, and that I do 
acknowledge the rightfulness of this necessity, and as earnestly 
proclaim it, doth testify to my sincerity of praise and my truth- 
fulness, when I affirm that you do but merit approval from me. 

Duke of N. Let this act seal our friendship. If it bo that 
fate hath not in store for us a yet firmer cementing of our love, 
let this clasp make of the present so holy a thing that it bo not 
sacrilege to remember it in your prayers. 
Enter Page. 

Page. Your Reverence, the gentlemen in the ante-room, with 
compliments, signify their readiness to accompany you. [Exit. 

Bishop of B. Your Grace, the presence of these gentlemen 
doth deep concern us both. Will you accompany mo to the 
ante-room? And if it bo to our mutual advantage I will make 
you party to our interview. 

[Exeunt Bishop of Boss mid Duke of Norfolk, 






Sceots v.] TEE QUEENS. 139 

Enter Leicester and Throgmortox, cautiously. 

Lei, Have all been carefully instructed to observe caution, 
and maintain absolute secrecy ? I have bad a long interview 
with this queen. 

Tlirog. They have, my Lord. All attendants, save those be- 
yond suspicion, have been carefully sent to other parts of the 
castle, and my lord and lady are being so royally entertained by 
the latest bit of court scandal, skillfully mouthed by your agent, 
disguised as a foreign minister, that they will make no hind- 
rance, and offer no obstruction to our conference. 

Lei, My man Felango is indeed a valuable hound, he can 
preach and pray like a saint, and, if need be, can out-lie the 
very devil. To what depth have you plumbed his grace ? 

Throg. I have found, my Lord, that there be so much soft- 
ness in his boyish attachment that he doth talk in poesy, and 
already prates of fitting gifts for his lady love. 

Lei. Was your encouragement so partitioned from your true 
designs as to escape detection 1 

Tlirog. Fear not, my lord, I was pupil to too good a tutor to 
make trip on this my first recital. Why look you ! ne'er lamb 
was more easily led than this love-sick duke. 

Lei. Did you acquaint him with the order for this queen's 
removal? 

Tlirog. Nay, my Lord, we may so inform them at some future 
hour. Enter Page. 

Page. The Queen. [Exit Page. 

[Exeunt Leicester and Throgmorton. 

Enter Qtjeex Mary, Duke of Norfolk and Bishop of Eoss. 

Bishop of R. Tour Majesty, that wise G-od who doth order 
the affairs of man, hath in your great affliction shielded your 
dear face from the dire evidence of your woe. His grace the 
Duke of Norfolk, answering the sweeter impulses of his heart, 
hath sought this interview with your Majesty, with the noble 
purpose of devising means, with the approval of your counsel- 
lors, of not only lightening your burdens, but with the end, 
heaven grant, of restoring you to your rightful throne. 

Q. Mary. Most noble Duke, this condescension doth herald 



140 THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

the nobility of your soul. For one in your station to take so 
kindly a thought for so sorely an oppressed prisoner, doth, 
indeed, prove not only your gentle birth, but mark your 
Christian grace. 

Duke of N. The righteousness of your cause, your Majesty, 
hath given me opportunity to obey the dictates of my heart. 
I have so far considered your situation, that the attempt to 
mend it doth well meet with the approval of my better judg- 
ment. My loyalty to my sovereign, and my adherence to my 
faith do not bid me withhold such kindly office as doth but 
become one Christian toward another. The weight of your 
affairs, your Majesty, borne to me by the recital of your sorrow, 
has so woven itself into the nature of my better sense 
that not alone duty to my queen, but the wish to succor your 
oppression, doth prompt me to offer my poor assistance. 

Bishop o/B. For the better adjustment of this affair, I trow 
the principals may the freer act alone. If it please your Majesty, 
I would make such excuse of my going, as would haste the ad- 
vancing of a sweet understanding between you two. [Exit. 

Q. Mary. Your Grace, the troubles of my realm have so 
wrought upon my condition, that I do the more readily accept 
the sweet promise of your offer to interest yourself in my behalf. 

Duke of N. You do, your Majesty, seem bereft of friendly 
counsellors. 

Q. Mary. Such as have it in their hearts, your Grace, to prof- 
fer to me kindly advice, do, from lack of opportunity, or fear of 
consequences, restrain their impulses, and leave but the slender 
shadow of their sweet thoughts for my comfort. 

Duke of N. Your affairs have so mixed themselves, through 
no fault of yours, your Majesty, with the weaknesses of others, 
that it doth require most careful exhibit, that in offering fair 
tend to your necessities, one may not make encouragement to 
wrong. 

Q. Mary. Your Grace, if I do make a most earnest recall of 
my past, I find not a day or an hour that hath not in it either 
the pain of a grievous hurt, or the sad remembrance of a bitter 
affliction. Even before my coming, fate had shrouded my cra- 
dle; and when that ago came which brings to others so much of 



Scene v.] THE QUEENS. 141 

joy, it found me bargained in a quarrel, and betrothed to strife. 
And when at last my life was linked to a loving heart, the 
sweetness of that happy union was turned to sad bitterness by 
the briefness of my joy. Then, turning to those in whom I 
should have found that love and sympathy my tears had earned, 
I found alas, that where my sorrows began they had grown, and 
then, indeed, was I alone. With mine heart yearning for love's 
sweet trust, I sought, in a hope of finding a balm for my loss, 
to entice into the empty chambers of my soul a shadow of its 
former tenant. But my poor, bruised heart, rilled with the holy 
echoes of the hallowed past, made poor banquet room for 
him who would revel alone in sense. So while but on the 
threshold, with no thought of the deeper, sweeter depths, he 
turned him back, and closing fast the door, stood sentry over 
the grave of my dead past, and with so little reverence kept he 
guard, that the sentry grew to a thing of hate. For not con- 
tent with rude tramping o'er the graves of my sacred memories, 
in whose recalling alone I had joy, he with sickening touch 
sought to render the sacredness of love profane. Is it a wonder 
then, your Grace, that by contrasting the only love I knew with 
the wreck of that foresworn, I should grieve, and in my griev- 
ing so foster discontent as to barter judgment for hope of re- 
prieve? 

Duke of N. That your Majesty doth entrust me with these 
sad memories doth the better encourage me to propose such a 
turning in the current of your life that there may come back to 
you from out of your brief dream of joy, such a sweet aftermath 
that it may hide the grosser hurts that have sadly marred a life 
so fitted for its best joys. 

Q. Mary. Your Grace, your words warn me that you have 
yet more weighty matters to acquaint me with. 

Duke ofN. I fear, your Majesty, that I do lack the courage 
to offer as free a lance in my own cause as I hope to lend to your 
good relief. 

Q. Mary. Such courage as is yours by blood, your Grace, 
should not fear to enter any field, not barred by honor, nor fear 
to ride where the best may spur. 

Duke ofN. If in this field, where I do now make so poor a 



142 THE QUEENS. . [Act hi. 

show of valor, I might stride my mount, and so add his pranc- 
ing mettle to my lagging resolve, I might indeed, ride swift with 
borrowed boldness to meet the object of my desire. 

Q. Mary. Are there not sometimes, your Grace, on fields of 
justs, knights, who, from favor's lean, surrender without a push 
of lance? 

Duke o/JSf. That they do, your Majesty, doth the better en- 
courage me, who am already pricked deep of heart, to sue for 
the sweet healing of your smile. 

Q. Mary. Oue so hurt should not longer contend, but by 
right of honorable wound, quit the field, and claim the bestow- 
ing of the gift. 

Duke of N. Your words, your Majesty, do, indeed, stay my 
constancy. And to prove that you are a sweet and prudent 
leech, in matters of weak and halting speech, I would exhibit 
the full return of my courage, by declaring, that my interest in 
your affairs has so warmed my heart, that I find the fullness of 
my resolve met, in the avowal, that, from pity's shallow tend, 
my emotion has grown to love's deepest proffer ; and so embold- 
ened am I by the fervor of my soul, that I do thus [kneels'] offer 
you, your Majesty, my heart, and the assurance of my most 
tender and devoted love. 

Q. Mary. In my proffered advice, your Grace, I did little 
think that I led to so tender an offer. That you do thus prove 
your willingness to meet the dangers of so open an intent in my 
behalf, doth indeed, testify to your courage and honorableness. 
I do but regret that I have so poor a heart to return for so noble 
a sacrifice. If in me you find, your Grace, the measure of your 
honest desire, I can but bid you rise, and seal your plight by 
accepting my bruised and hungry heart as freely as I do accept 
the sweet offer of your noble love. 

Duke ofN. In this blessed convention I would gladly forget 
all calls to sterner affairs, and basking in this hallowed peace, 
offer prayer to heaven, that the future may for us be fashioned 
from the model of this hour. 

• Q. Mary. 0, that I might forget strife for place, the gall of 
power, and in this sweeten-, dearer mood float out into a sea of 
undisturbed peace, with faith for pilot, and love for master. 



Scene v.] THE QUEENS. 143 

Duke of N. I do condemn myself, your Majesty, for rudely 
breaking the sweetness of this moment "by my forced return to 
the consideration of the affairs of sterner sort, but time and 
sharp necessity, will not longer brook delay. And I do best 
show the depth of my devotion by seeking to mend your fort- 
unes.. 

Q. Mary. I know the strictness of the watch upon the move- 
ments of all who do seek audience with me, your Grace, and, 
therefore, do accept this your concern as but further evidence 
of your regard. 

How think you, will not this proposed move of my friends in- 
volve you, your Grace, to your hurt 1 

Duke of N. I may not burden you, your Majesty, with the 
details thus far arranged. As for myself, I do not look for 
favor, save from yourself; but hope by the uprightness of my 
ends to merit honorable consideration from those in power. 

Q. Mary. I do best prove my full confidence in your Grace, 
by submitting to your loving hands the guidance of my fate. 
How far have my friends moved in matters that will be likely to 
bring about an immediate action % 

Duke of N. The will of foreign princes, as well as the good 
pleasure of the court at Eome, has been fully gained. If need 
be they will make such show of arms as will do much to bring 
about a fairer consideration of your Majesty's case. It but re- 
mains now for your friends to make such careful selection of 
time for the move as shall disarm the suspicion of foes. 

Q. Mary. I cannot disguise from myself the fact that the 
launching of this delicate affair will of necessity involve risk, 
mayhap draw the spite of the envious. 

Duke ofN. It is not my purpose, your Majesty, to act in this 
matter so as to awaken envy, or merit spite. It is not my will 
to transfer allegiance or renounce religion. 

Q. Mary. Your leal nature, your Grace, would impeach dis- 
loyalty, and your piety would save you from cant. 

Duke of N. It is my purpose, your Majesty, to so enlist the 
sympathy and good office of such as have a belief in the just- 
ness of your cause, that at the proper time, and heaven grant 
that the measure of that time be short, we can, with little noise, 



1U THE QUEENS. [Act iii. 

and less of arms, so press the fairness of your restoration that 
opposition, like whipped hounds, will slink x to cove, and such 
as have a selfish interest in your restraint shall, by their own 
noisy strife, show the weakness of their cause. 

Q. Mary. How, your Grace, will this assignation touch the 
queen my cousin ? 

Duke of N. As do" other cases where her austerity has caused 
opposal, and her majesty was obliged to discede. To my hum- 
ble mind she did first enter upon your restraint, taking upon 
herself a hope of aggrandisement through judging a queen. 
But now, feeling that the assumpt doth bring with it such a 
weight of care, that the dignity of the office will be more than 
swallowed up in the doubtful verdict, she would make a virtue 
Of repentance, and slip her self-imposed task. While she would 
not with open over-readiness relinquish her hold, yet I do feel 
that she would give a goodly strip of fen-lands were she relieved 
in some such manner, that she might proclaim to foreign 
princes that you had asked for her consideration, but tarried 
not for its bestowal. 

Q. Mary. Doth the queen my cousin so much regret my 
presence ? I would that her objection might shape itself so as 
to determine the coming of my liberty. 

Duke of N. It is proper, your Majesty, that we determine at 
once the full scope of our proposed actions. 

Q. Mary. That this plan, your Grace, involves not the 
shedding of blood, doth the more readily claim mine assent. 

Duke of N. May we not now summon the gentlemen, that 
they may witness this, our mutual understanding ? 

Q. Mary. So complete is mine happiness with this sweet dis- 
covery that I would indeed seek to advantage my content by 
sharing my joy with trusted friends. [Blows whistle. 

Enter Page. 

Say to the gentlemen without that I do await their presence. 

[Exit Page. 

Duke of N. From conferences had with your friends, your 
Majesty, it hath been deemed wise and prudent that we do 
adopt in all correspondence, a secret cipher. This matter hath 



Scexe v.] THE QUEENS. 145 

been intrusted to his reverence, the Bishop of Ross; he will 
acquaint you with all needed instruction. 

Enter Bishop or Eoss and Theogmoetox. 

Q. Mary. I have sent for you, your Reverence, that you 
might partake of this my great joy, which heaven hath vouch- 
safed to me, through the sweet resolve of his grace the Duke 
of Norfolk. He hath not only taken upon himself deep interest 
in the mending of my broken fortunes, but he hath so appealed 
to the tenderest emotions of mine heart, that I have surrendered 
to him the keeping of mine happiness, and granted to him the 
full right to maintain mine honor and defend my rights. 

Bishop of B. May the blessings of heaven, and the attend- 
ance of angels, bless this most noble selection, and aid in the 
furtherance of this most righteous cause. 

Throg. If the deserving are blessed by merits, the principals 
to this convent should receive liberally the tokens of heaven. 
But while we rejoice at this happy consummation, and for this 
sweet installment of peace, let us not forget caution, nor neglect 
to recognize the necessity for present concealment ; for the 
powers do so hedge right, that it be, of truth, good battle to 
overcome their designs by temporarily using their own weapons 
against them. 

Duke ofN. The half truth of your statement, good Sir Nich- 
olas, may not yet excuse the full weight of your insinuations. 

Throg. I trust, your Grace, that words of caution may not be 
too great a tax on friendship. 

Duke of N. Of caution, I make no complaint, but we do 
blaspheme if we ask the blessings of heaven upon duplicity. 

Q. Mary. I trust, good friends, that the sweet understand- 
ing of this hour may so companion brotherly love, that there be 
no gaps through which inharmony may stalk. 

Bislwp of JR. May it please your Majesty, we may not longer 
continue this interview without exciting comment, if not suspic- 
ion. I would, therefore, crave permission for our retiring, and 
as I may by so doing exhibit my office, I pray you accept the 
holy benediction of the church, for to your everlasting peace 
hath been granted the blessings of the holy father. In my going 



146 THE QUEENS. [Act hi. 

permit me to extend to you, your Majesty, mine own humble 
blessing. [Places his hand on the queen's head.] May God 
grant thee the fall measure of His everlasting love, and the con- 
solation of His divine peace. [Exit Ross. 

Q. Mary. So rich is my soul with this peace of God, that I 
have not the heart to tempt the mixture of affairs of earth with 
the sweetness of the trust and hope of my soul. I pray you, 
therefore, your Grace, grant me the liberty to continue this 
most earnest longing for further intercession with God. [ Gives 
Norfolk her hand to kiss.] [Exit Queen Mary, 

Duke of N. [To Throgmorton.] Lead on, seek to add no 
sound to the tender echo of her voice. Leave these walls to 
whisper the sweet speech of her going. [Exeunt. 



ACT IT. 

Scene I. Boom in Earl of Leicester 's House, London. 
Enter Barney. 

Barney. Sure, but there be hatching and devilment enough 
about to feast the very old Satan himself. All the fine gents, 
lords, earls, dukes, and such gilt-edged trash that visit me mas- 
ter to night, are, I trow, bent on some prets, more for private 
ends than public good. And there's that wiley 'Talian, the foxy 
imp of evil, sure he's but a shadow of the master. What one 
thinks of in wickedness the other matches with his wit. 

[Exit. 
Enter Leicester and Felango. [F. locks door. 

Lei. Well ! Out with it ! This is, indeed, ill time to harrow 
up my soul with this teen affair; but out with it man, out 
with it. 

Fel. I did but your bidding, Maestro, and having done it, it 
were proper that I did acquaint you with the deed. 

Lei. Well ! How was it done ? 

Fel. In this wise, Maestro: I did yesternight acquaint the 
maid with your message, and did appoint the drawbridge above 
the ditch as the tryst. 

Lei. Came the wench willingly? or had she doubts? 

Fel. I, williDgly, Maestro, williDgly. Such trust and love 
had the maid, that fire and smoke would not have held her 
back. She'd have followed you from Tweedmouth to Land's- 
end, and made no asking. I, Maestro, it's rare to see such 
trust. 

Lei. Fool ! Make no soft speeches to me. Get me out the 
deed, and its doing ! 

Fel. I do, Maestro; and with no more softness than the ap- 
peal of her poor eyes did put upon me. 

Lei. Damn her eyes, and your loose tongue. If you have 

147 



148 THE QUEENS. [Act iv. 

yet more of this babbling, save it for your drab; do not sicken 
my senses further by this your weak exhibit. To the point. 
How served you the wench I How served you ? 

Fel. As you will, Maestro. It was in this wise. The lady 
came at the hour, which was nine, and, as you had directed in 
your note, she wore her heavy cloak and wraps. When she had 
reached the cliff, and waited at the spot pointed out, I did ap- 
proach. In the darkness she thought it was you, and with such 
quickness as her stoutness would permit, she made to embrace 
me. And when she had her arms about my neck, I did thus ! 
and thus! and thus! [Imitates stabbing.] So heavy washer 
stress, and such inroad had sorrow made, that she had not 
strength for outcry; but with your name upon her lips, she sank 
at my feet, and it was over. My God, Maestro, but I have 
blotched my soul for thee, and leagued it to eternal hell by this 
foul deed. 

Lei. Save your preaching man, save your preaching. What 
did you with the corse ? 

Fel. It went out, Maestro, with the tide; for I did so weight 
it that it saw not the light again, but it floated out on the 
slippery ooze of the river's bed, and hath ere uow been 
sepulchred in hungry fishes maw. 

Lei. This overshow of virtue on thy part will cost me dear. 
Not the deed so much, which was but the snuffing out of a fool- 
ish weakly light, which had more heat and trust than sense and 
right. She would have made a failure of life's game at best. 
But, go now. Remember my instructions. To-night the Duke 
of Norfolk meets me here, and I would have you keep your ear 
and eye ever within whisper rate. 

Fel. I, Maestro, thou dost pass from deed to deed, like bird 
from twig to twig. I have not in my blood an overdash of 
water, yet so sly and cunning are thy turns, that I do fear my 
own good wyson. 

Lei. Let your estimation stay your prudence. 

[Exit Felango. 

Well, here is another thorn removed; but I must sip more 
shy. My Lady Alice, I trow, will not play me this hazard, for 
she doth so temper her clips with prudence, that we may make 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 149 

the play to our liking. What fools these ladies are ! They sell 
their smiles for poor, weak chuck, and pawn their souls for the 
fleeting lend of love. 

Enter Baeney. 

Barney. Me Lord, the Duke of Norfolk and friends do 
attend. 

Lei. Show them in; and Barney, see to it that no big-eyed, 
broad-eared, loose-lipped whelp do hang about the room or 
doors. The gentlemen are here on business for the crown, and 
I would have no leaking of the affairs of state. Show the 
gentlemen iu. [Exit Barney. 

I have the duke well won. If I can but get him to make 
avowal within the hearing of Pembroke and Smith, and if they 
but willingly listen, they will be so far committed that they 
caunot take even a backward step without showing then weak- 
ness; and then they, wanting better company, will seek to prop 
their slip by hoisting in my much-loved (?) friend, Sir William. 
Then, when that is done, I have no fears but what, to save 
themselves, they'll load the blame for this rank deal on the 
back of him who highest stands as statist, in favor of the 
queen. But they come. 

Enter Duke of Noefolk, Eael of Pembeoes, Eael of 
Sussex and Sie Thomas Smith. 

Duke of N. I trust, my Lord, you have not waited overlong 
for us. 

Lei. I have stayed my impatient longing for your coming by 
the anticipated pleasure of your presence. My lords and 
gentlemen, I bid you all most hearty welcome. It doth speak 
well for the furtherance of our plans, that this meeting is 
graced by so goodly a company. It must be, gentlemen, that 
heaven will smile upon our cause, for the worthiness and 
nobility of these interested bespeaks, indeed, the blessing of 
God, on our undertaking. 

Smith. Pardon me, my Lord, may we not, with due propriety, 
first acquaint one another with the full object of our meeting, 
before we seek to implore the blessing of God ? 

Lei. The object, my lords and gentlemen, doth afore so pave 



150 THE QUEENS. [Act iv. 

the way to God's approval that on the better understanding we 
may feel the full assurance of His blessing. 

Duke of JS T . Thy devout salutation, my lord, doth vouch for 
thy muniflc nature. But, I pray you, gentlemen, let us to the 
consideration; and as to me may fall the burden of whatever 
reproach, if unhappily reproaches come, shall follow the fulfill- 
ing of our desires, let me state the object of this conference. 
There be present with us those who, with love of realm at heart, 
have bethought themselves how best to solve the grievous 
straits that do so sore oppress the queen our mistress. I hold 
that it be no treason, nor yet sedition, to speak the prompt- 
ings of my heart, and say I believe the Scottish queen unlaw- 
fully held and detained. 

Smith. By decree of commission, she doth stand adjudged a 
bedswerver and a murderess. 

Duke of N. Those are heavy words, sir, heavy words. Haste 
rather than proof hath parent ed them. 

Smith. My words, your Grace, are most fully sustained by 
evidence. With your own eyes you read the letters that the 
Scot wrote to the Earl of Bothwell, while yet her husband and 
lord was still alive. 

Duke of N. True, sir; I did read the letters, and with more 
care, I trow, than hath another, even of the commission ; and I 
am satisfied within my own soul, and I call upon God to wit- 
ness the recording of my words, that the letters presented by 
the Earl of Murray and my Lord North, that were of the Queen 
of Scot's own writing, were such as she had written to her lord and 
husband, both before and after their marriage, and were found 
among the effects left by Lord Darnley at his death. This is more 
easily accounted for, as in addressing them no name was at- 
tached, but rather some term of endearment. And they could, 
my lords and gentlemen, have been ascribed as well to any gen- 
tleman present as to the Earl of Bothwell. There are other 
letters among them addressed by name. These, I am most 
sure, are but imitations, and are the issue of the Earl of Murray 
himself. 



Scene i.) THE QUEENS. 151 

Smith. Why was not this matter more fully exhibited at the 
hearing ! 

Duke of N. Because of the impatience of the Scottish queen, 
who, smartiDg under an injustice that would have unmanned 
the best among you, sought to restrain the hotness of her indig- 
nation by withdrawing. 

Smith. If we do admit that such letters as were exhibited 
could, under fuller light, have been explained, not to the Scot's 
harm, how, your Grace, will you weigh the amorous sonnets, 
which in themselves show such abandonment as to stamp their 
author a wanton ? 

Duke of N. Condemnation, however just, hath in it more 
weight when bestowed with mercy. These French songs, o'er 
which such loud prating hath been had, could not have been 
meant for the Earl of Bothwell, for he read not the French 
tongue. Of the seven sonnets produced, there are but two 
that might not have been read without offense by even Knox, 
should Cupid smite his heart. And these two exceptions have 
in them less of heat and suggestion than I have heard myself 
recited by sedate dames in French salons. It should be borne 
in mind, my lords and gentlemen, that this Scottish queen did 
imbibe in her early education more freedom in affairs of love 
than our English maids. What would rose the cheek of Eng- 
lish matrons, would wreathe with smiles the French madame's 
face. But would you, my lords and gentlemen, hold in relent- 
less captivity, and subject to merciless persecution this Scottish 
queen for a fancied slip in form of speech, or hot bespeak of 
love? 

Pembroke. I fear, your Grace, thy close eyeing of the Scot's 
letters and songs hath kindled thy honest blood to rush. 

Duke of N. That I do regard the queen of Scots with favor 
doth but herald my better instinct. I first, my Lords, measured 
out to this oppressed captive the fullness of my pity, and in 
such good soil were* the seeds sown that they have grown to 
flowers of esteem, and fruits of admiration. 

Smith. Why burden thy passion, your Grace, with so many 
titles? Write it down love, and then blush like an honest 
man, if you will; for color of cheek I hold to be no sign of weak- 



152 THE QUEENS. [Act iv. 

ness in one who breaks his lance to meet the approval of his 
own soul. 

Lei. Well spoken, well spoken. And by thy speech thou 
hast won my ears, if not my heart. 

Duke of N. My Lords and Gentlemen, now that I have dis- 
played my reason, I crave your indulgence for the details of my 
thought. That I may make for the queen our mistress a lighter 
weight of cares, and thereby meet the wishes of my soul, I 
would, with your kind approval, seek to wed with the Scottish 
queen. And then, with approval of our queen, restore her to 
her rightful throne, with such guarantees as shall protect the 
religion of our realm, and hold at bay further interference by 
Scottish subjects with English affairs and laws. 

Earl of Sus. Has the Scottish queen, your Grace, signified 
to you, or friend, that your approaches have in them a degree 
of gratification that would prompt her to approve your 
advances ? 

Duke of N. My lords and gentlemen, I have not moved 
blindly in this affair, but as one who, seeing his duty, and find- 
ing that it has in it the approval of his soul, moves by gift of 
wit. 

Smith. If happily the Scottish queen could be removed, and 
then, by wifing with his grace the duke, the queen our mis- 
tress' sad unease be thereby stayed, I should, indeed, feel that 
it was a most happy ending of a most troublesome snarl ; and 
our court and realm be the winners in the exchange. But how 
think you Sir William will let this matter rest upon his sensitive 
heart? 

Lei. My lords and gentlemen, when most of numbers, as are 
here assembled, who sit in privy council, have agreed upon a 
measure, feeling that it is the best for all, may it not be carried 
as right doth dispose? But if there are those who from fear, or 
perchance motives yet thinner, do seek to withhold from queenly 
approval an act judged to be for the best good, both for realm 
and crown, may not those in the right use means to help the 
ends of fairness? It so happens that the justness of our meas- 
ures do fully sanction resort to means more forcing than loading. 

It bo not a secret among us gentlemen, that good Sir William 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 153 

hath long withheld the payment of the dues to the Netherlands; 
and this, too, when the queen our mistress had supposed the 
debt well paid. Now, hark you ! if he, Sir William, should 
withhold his approval from this righteous and goodly settlement, 
may we not, as loyal subjects, acquaint him with our purpose, 
that if his persistence be over-long, we will discover to the 
queen the fullness of his unlawful withholding of that whereof 
she did command should be met and paid ? I hold that when 
this matter is presented to the queen our mistress, she will not 
hesitate to so hotly assail him, that he will be in danger of being 
discommissioned. And I have it within my heart, and I do 
betray it to you, my lords and gentlemen, that were this high 
secretary plucked, for the betterment of the realm, it would 
meet vulgar applause; for he doth so measure his favors that, 
except to his own clan, the plums of court are illy distributed. 
Enter Queen Elizabeth. [All rise. 

Q. Eliz. God's death ! My lords and gentlemen, I do, indeed, 
appear as an indignant sovereign. By the faithfulness of my 
agents, I have been warned of your hellish plot, and treasonable 
meeting. 

Lei. Your Majesty 

Q. Eliz. Hold ! my Lord, hold ! I am not surprised now at 
this your presence. Your damned cunning will not save you 
from my most righteous displeasure. Look, my Lord, I have 
wished you well, but my favor is not locked up for you, that 
others shall not participate thereof; for I have many servants 
unto whom I have, and will at my pleasure, bequeath my favor, 
and likewise resume the same; and if you think you rule, I will 
take course to see you forthcoming. I will have but one 
mistress, and no master. So, look you well that no ill happens 
to my secretary, Sir William, least it be severally required at 
your hands. Ungrateful hound ! Is this the return you would 
make for my kindness? How have I pampered you, and now 
when stress of realm did sore oppress, you turn and rend the 
very hand that has fed you. 

If you would sleep to-night without the tower's walls, keep 
your words of excuses for those who care to hear them. No! 



154 THE QUEENS. [Act IV. 

save your speech until you have forged it into more loyal words 
than your acts would companion. 

And you, your Grace, have a care, have a care on what 
pillow you would lay your head. I have caught but a part of 
your drift, but enough to warrant me in branding you as more 
weak than crafty. Your silly sentiment for my wanton charge 
doth have in it so much of youth's sick gall that you 
are fitter to rove the fields by light of moon than even sit this 
assembly of fools. You seem here, my lords and gentlemen, 
without a head ; I will supply the miss by the proffer of my 
will. 

Earl of P. Your Majesty, we did but assemble that we might 
the better relieve your heart from a most grievous burden. 

Q. Eliz. This were, indeed, a mark of your loyalty, to here 
in secret plot and plan to set aside my commands. And not only 
my commands, but the legal acts made and passed by my parli- 
ament in assembly. Look you, my lords and gentlemen, am I 
not an anointed and rightful queen? and are you not subjects? 
How then would you meet these two ends, I, as queen, you as sub- 
ject. You would meet them, my lords and gentlemen, by crafty 
plot and seditious plans. You thought to overthrow my secre- 
tary, Sir William, by your devilish dip, and so weigh upon him 
by your hellish designs, as to force him to companion your own 
disloyal weakness. But, you have failed; for, by your acts, 
you have but strengthened my esteem for him. Look you, his 
loyalty is as far above yours as is Charles' wain above your 
empty pates. I shall counsel with him, and he shall adjudge 
your acts. Think you, my lords and gentlemen, that I am dead 
to tenderness of heart for this my weak sister? By her crimes 
she hath forfeited doubly her life; yet I have more regard for 
her and her distress than you, in your weak, silly illurement, can 
ever have. I would to God she were back upon her throne, 
with hands as free from blood as are her son's. My grief at her 
distress hath brought me more sorrow than your weak heads 
can know. 

Did I love ease more, I might well let this sick matter take its 
own course, and she, the plotting ingrate, should be free to- 
morrow. God judge me, I would her stinking case were in other 



Scexe I.] THE QUEENS. 155 

hands than mine. But no, lest my weakness do soften my re- 
sentment, I will save you further exhibit of your hurt, and so 
hold my sorrow that it shall stay my righteous resolve touching 
your miserable plotting. 

Diike ofN. May it please your Majesty, I feel not to brook 
this- inviction of my honesty without offense to my con- 
science 

Q. Eliz. It is not well, your Grace, to further tempt me now. 
Such anger as I have iu store I would hold in check. By that 
and grief I am so sore assailed that I may not drop to you the 
softest word. The full answering of this most grievous affront 
I leave for a more convenient season. It is my pleasure that 
you do attend me to-morrow and hear my command on this 
matter. And you, my lords and gentlemen, bear the reproach 
of my displeasure, and seek not to ease yourselves of its conse- 
quences until you have vouchsafed to me a fuller and more hon- 
est explanation for your base acts. 

That you may not further try me, I command you to retire 
and await my pleasure. [Exeunt all but Leicester. 

Lei. Tour Majesty, that there be not sad misfortune atteud 
your but partial hearing of this conference, I pray you that those 
who had here assembled be allowed further explanations. These 
gentlemen, your Majesty, did visit me, upon my request 'tis true, 
but the full import of their designs I had not unfolded to me. I 
had no thought that the plans had in them the liberty of the 
Scottish charge. 

Q. Eliz. I have no ear for excuses now, my Lord ; they come 
poor from you. You have so conducted yourself as to throw 
upon me a full and perfect right to attribute such motives to 
this gathering as your indiscreet and pandering speeches do 
allow. But I have finished. Without counsel I would make no 
further accusations, and so hold my judgment in hand that I 
may not deliver a verdict born of my indignation. 

My Lord, it is hard to be betrayed by those we have trusted; 
but it is harder still to be betrayed by those we have not only 
trusted, but have given our sweetest confidence to. 

[Exit Queen Elizabeth. 



156 THE QUEENS. [Act iv. 

Lei. This is a most unfortunate catch indeed. I must now 
lay on lush softness to overcome this bad slip. 

But I trow the duke is so firmly hooked that he may not miss 
his deal. There must be other reaching to bring the wily William 
down. [Exit Leicester. 

Scene II. Boom in the house of Dr. Bee, London. 
Enter Queen Elizabeth and Worcester disguised, with 

Servant. 

Servant. I pray you, gentles, tarry here. I will speak your 
presence to my master. [Exit Servant. 

Wor. This be indeed, your Majesty, a most strange advent- 
ure. That I am here doth testify to my loyalty to your person. 

Q. Eliz. Book, trouble yourself no more. If I have a fancy 
to humor this whim, you serve me best by staying your opposition. 

Wor. I have no opposition, your Majesty. It be not your 
coming that doth lament me, but rather the manner of it. 

Q. Eliz. Manner? What is there out of proper? Is not this 
gown trig? and there be nothing sluttish in these robes. Pray, 
Book, why tremble ? Do you fear your father's ghost? 

Wor. Nay, your Majesty ! I beseech you save me from part- 
nership in a jest with so dead a core. 

Q. Eliz. Dead ! Why, man, did you expect to meet the living 
in a place like this? 

Wor. If disrespect to the dead, your Majesty, be a charm of 
discernment, I will keep my ignorance to meet the living, and 
let those at rest feel my respect through my silence. 

Q. Eliz. Hush! Here comes the doctor. 

Enter Dr. Dee. 

Dee. I salute your most gracious Majesty. The honor of 
your presence confers distinction on my humble abode. 

Q. Eliz. I come not for claw, good doctor, that T may find 
thick enough at court. I came rather to consult your powers in 
dink and troublesome matters. The cares of realm do so op- 
pre8S me thai I fain would find through your magic a solution of 
the maze wherein I am bewildered. 

Dec. Your Majesty, if you do come to consult the powers at 
my command, I pray you pardon me if I require the same of 
your Majesty as from a common. 



Scexe 11. J THE QUEENS. 157 

Q. Eliz. Whatever your dark ways may ask, I do attest my 
willingness to follow your instructions by my presence. 

Bee. Pardon me, then, your Majesty, if I do request you to 
robe yourself in your color, violet. To the better accomplish 
this, pray use this ante-room. A servant will robe you. 

[Exit Queen. 

[To Worcester.] Are you, sir, a participant? 

Wor. I am here by royal command. Whatever her majesty, 
the queen, may do I am ready to follow. 

Bee. Then, sir, I request the same compliance from you as 
from her majesty. Please retire here; a servant will robe you 
in your color, blue. [Exeunt Worcester and Bee. 

Enter Servant. 

[Servant draivs aside heavy red curtains and discovers the 
room of magic. Places three chairs in center of room, one draped 
in violet, one in blue and one in green. On stand, at right, burns 
red light, on left burns yelloiv light. On left wall hangs Egyptian 
sign of life, on right hangs a crescent and star. In the rear of the 
room hang black curtains, which conceal a large mirror -like 
surface, on which Br. Bee commands pictures to appear. Servant 
rings bell] 

Enter Dk. Dee, robed in green ; Queen Elizabeth, robed in 
violet; Woecestek, in blue. 

Bee. I pray you, your Majesty, under no circumstance speak 
during the sitting, except in the propounding of proper ques- 
tions. As your robes indicate, select your seats. Your Majesty, 
state the object of your coming. 

Q. Eliz. The Duke of Norfolk, with other misthinking persons, 
do conspire not only against the state, but my own peace ; and 
the better to accomplish their wicked designs they do, against 
my express wish and command, seek to form an alliance between 
the Queen of Scots, my charge, and the Duke of Norfolk. I 
would learn how this devilish plan may be circumvented. 

Bee. Make no outcry, your Majesty. 

[Braws aside black curtains, and discloses the Buke of Norfolk 
with head on block, executioner standing over him with axe.] 



158 THE QUEENS. [Act iv. 

Q. Eliz. But the duke is of noble blood. May not so harsh a 
remedy awake vulgar comment ? 

Dee. I pray, your Majesty, make no words; you do 
disturb the powers. [Drops curtain. 

Q. Eliz. If I may not do this, but move less sterner, what 
shall follow ? 

Dee. This. [Draivs aside curtain and discloses Mary, Queen 
of Scots, and the Duke of Norfolk, crowned, sitting on a throne.] 

Q. Eliz. My God ! this is my suspect. Do they reign as Scots 
or English? [Drops curtain. 

Dee. Behold! [Draws aside curtains, discloses the Scottish 
arms blended with the English.] 

Q. Eliz. God's death! How may this be prevented? 

[Drops curtain. 

Dee. Thus. [Draws aside curtain, discloses Queen Mary 
with her head upon the block.] 

Q. Eliz. My duty is plain. God grant me strength that I 
falter not. I have accomplished the object of my visit. I pray 
you, good Dr. Dee, I would retire. [Exit Queen. 

Wor. Ah, sir! This means more blood. Unhappy queen! 
Take your bloody fee. [Gives him purse.] [Exit. 

Dee. This is a most loathy affair. I fear I have lent myself 
to a damned grievous hurt. 

Enter Earl of Leicester. 

Lei. Good Doctor, I saw your show; you are indeed a most 
cunning wizard. But for the price, you should have given her 
majesty yet more of creeps. But that man Worcester, he'll not 
sleep again for a month. But her majesty the queen is made of 
sterner stuff, and she so hates the Scot's winsome face that I 
hope her yellowness, and your shift, will work to rid the realm 
of this most ugly plague. If unhappily this moves not, I may 
have need to use your hire again; if should be, I pray you, good 
Dr. Dee, put more twist in this your next exhibit ; and, if you 
do fetch blood on your further show, I will make my gift well 
worth your reach. 

Dee. Your agent made to me, my Lord, the promise of 
further preferment at court. 

Lei. This is a matter which may be arranged when success 
shall make the court good hunting ground for your magic. In 



Scene hi.] THE QUEENS. 159 

the meanwhile move not in this business without my knowledge. 
Your oath to my agent is quite strong enough to make hush a 
virtue. [Exit 

Bee. I am now in this man's power. By so lending myself I 
have opened the doors of gain, but shut the gates of heaven. 
But this deception which I have palmed upon the queen, I do 
tout de bon, and it doth help to further the ends of right, thereby 
I ease my soul and help my poverty. I may serve this man, 
though he be a devil, if in serving him I help the state, and in 
helping the state increase my store. 

Tout le monde, even dukes, earls and churchmen, further and 

foster wrong, propped by prayers for good, so I, while of less 

estate, lend the gift of my wit, to help the realm and myself a 

bit. [Exit 

Scene III. Boom in Tutbury Castle. 

Enter Earl of Shrewsbury and Sir Ralph Sadler. 

Earl of Shrew. So thick and devilish does this thing grow that, 
without royal command, her ladyship shall exercise no more be- 
yond the court. Look you, this French ambassador of hers, as 
well as my Lord Livingston, be not allowed further to speak to 
her, only in our presence. 

Sad. Is there need for this harshness, my Lord ? Will not 
so close confinement yet further mar her health? 

Earl of Shrew. My eyes have not yet discovered evidence of 
failing health. And my good lady, with the sharp discernment of 
her kind, hath made no great find of uncommon weakness. But 
you will better see the need of this stricture, when you do ac- 
quaint yourself with the contents of these dispatches ; for therein 
you will learn that our good friend, the Duke of Norfolk, hath been 
again committed to the tower, and with him the Scot's agent, 
Lesley, Bishop of Ross. 

Sad. What new thing has come about, my Lord, that doth 
make such disquiet ? 

Earl of Shreiv. I leave it to yourself to judge if I be wrong 
in making cut of the too easy freedom of this queen. By these 
dispatches we are informed that not only the duke's heart, but 
his gold and estates, are involved in the interests of this queen. 



160 THE QVEENS. [Act iv. 

His agent, one Benton, hath confessed to secretly delivering 
letters and dispatches to his grace the duke, and others to the 
Bishop of Eoss, to be forwarded to Philip of Spain, and the Pope 
at Rome, and some that were to other foreign princes ; these 
dispatches were from our charge here. How she did forward 
them, I wis not ; but this I do know, her majesty the queen is 
very hot over this slip, and will require a full answer to this un- 
timely strew. 

Sad. Did these look to this queen's liberty alone I or had 
they in them yet deeper designs ? 

Earl of Shrew. My dispatches but inform me of the discovery 
of the plot wherein the Duke of Norfolk sought to wed with this 
queen, and thereby attempt her restoration. This, of truth 
would be treason, if proven against the duke. He hath failed, 
and now he doth nurse his failure within the Tower walls. By 
these dispatches I am commanded to question the Scottish queen, 
to the end that I may determine how far she be privy to this 
most seditious plot, and for that end I have requested your pres- 
ence, that happily we might the better discover, by some good 
surprise, how far she hath involved herself and the weak duke 
in this affair. 

Sad. I'll able your lordship what I can, that I may thereby 
offer devotion to her majesty the queen. [Shrewsbury rings tell. 
Enter Page. 

Earl of Shrew. [To Page.] Say to her ladyship, your mis- 
tress, that I do desire the presence of herself and charge 
forthwith. [Exit Page. 

That we may the better report, make good tax of your mem- 
ory, to the end that no important word may escape noting. 

Sad. How far is our charge to be discovered, my Lord ? to 
the involving of others? Shall we push our inquiries ? or shall 
our probing relate alone to this queen and the Duke of Norfolk \ 

Earl of Shrew. If forgetfulness attend not her speech, it may 
be our good fortune to gather such hints as will make to her 
majesty a fair suspect as to the designs, not alone of this queen, 
but of others who may bo at cross purposes with the state. I 
trow her majesty well wishes this intriguer were safe enskycd, 



Scene in.] THE QUEENS. 161 

so sore are her days with distress from this sad tax upon her 
time and patience. 

Enter Queen Maey and Countess of Shrewsbury. 

Countess of S. My Lord, you did send for me, and in com- 
pliance with your request, I bethought me to suggest the kind 
attendance of our guest. 

Q. Mary. My Lord, I will not attempt to disguise from you 
that I sense the approach of unhappy news. So thick are my 
days now set with pains, that I start at every courrier, fearing 
that the burden of new announcements may bring me yet further 
evil. So little is my world now, and so much of sorrow doth 
mark its slow dragging hours, that I rarely miss my anticipa- 
tions when I assign a new grief as the salutation of incertain 
communications. 

Earl of Shrew. Those who by their own acts curtain the 
light that would be a guide to their feet, lose time in complain- 
ing if they fall; and those who willfully shut their eyes, that 
they may not see the forthright, forfeit the sympathy of those 
who would otherwise pity, if they bruise themselves by sad mis- 
step. 

Q. Mary. My Lord, I came not hither to sue for pity, and if 
my weak words did betray but a single ache of mine heart, I 
pray you forgive the exhibit. I should have known, for I have 
been taught, that sympathy is not a flower grown in this part of 
the queen my cousin's realm. 

Earl of Shrew. Madam, by royal command I am directed to 
acquaint you with the arrest of the Duke of Norfolk, and his 
committal to the Tower. 

Q. Mary. Would the queen my cousiu counsel with me? 
Elsewise she hath no need to inform me of the imprisonment of 
her subjects. Mine own imprisonment doth concern me most. 

Earl of Slirew. When the Duke of Norfolk was apprehended, 
there were found on his person certain papers, letters and dis- 
patches. Some were written plainly, and some in cipher. These 
papers, so I am informed, related in detail to the duke's pur- 
poses concerning yourself. I am also informed, madam, that 
some of these letters in secret cipher were written by yourself. 



162 THE QUEENS. [Act iv. 

Q. Mary. The Duke of Norfolk, my Lord, hath such ableness 
that he may answer for himself. If he hath done an unlawful 
act, he may be held to answer to his queen. To me his imprison- 
ment hath such interest only as one unfortunate should have 
toward another. 

Earl of Slireiv. Likewise, madam, your agent, the Bishop of 
Eoss, hath been committed to the Tower ; and one Benton, serv- 
ant of the duke of Norfolk, hath also been made a prisoner. 
From tbese have been learned such contemplated violations of 
the law as will, indeed, work great sorrow for the Duke of Nor- 
folk, and such as are concerned with him. 

By command of her majesty the queen I am directed to de- 
mand of you how far you did incite, and do acknowledge the 
acts, committed and contemplated by the Duke of Norfolk and 
his agents. 

Q. Mary. My Lord, that I am unlawfully detained, and in 
violation of the laws of hospitality, and the usages of nations, 
doth not give the queen my cousin the right to demand of me 
answers, if in answering I do thereby, as unhappily I might, 
without good counsel, involve myself and friends. That the 
queen my cousin hath imprisoned mine ambassador, the good 
Bishop of Eoss, doth, indeed, forewarn me that mine own end 
be not far off. 

That mine ambassador hath been imprisoned, aud thus pre- 
vented from visiting me, doth embolden me to ask what dis- 
posal hath been made of the forty thousand pounds of my dowry 
from France ? For myself, my Lord, I ask nothing, but for 
those who by their faithfulness and devotion have earned my 
gratitude, and the sweet plaudits of princes, I but crave such of 
mine own as will permit me to grant unto them a part of such 
reward as a Christian sovereign would give to the loyal, and an 
honest prince bestow upon the brave and good. I have no 
measure, my Lord, with which to speak of the full sense of mine 
own despair. Uncrowned, unwifed, broken in health, alone in 
the world. With my poor estate narrowed to four stone walls. 
With every hope dead, save that which touches heaven, I trembl- 
ingly call up the sad memories of mine once noble greatness. A 
queen of two mighty and powerful states, now the poor, weak, 



Scene hi.] THE QUEENS. 163 

despised prisoner of a cruel rival, I stand before you, who 
stand between me and those who would help, and cry, strike ! 
strike ! If there be other depths to which your cruelty may yet 
descend, I pray you hold not back your fell invention, but rather 
lay on your relentless strokes of inhuman infliction. If the signs 
deceive me not, these lips may but for a little thus feebly pro- 
test against this most wanton wrong. But lest I be judged of 
overthoughtfulness for self, I would make plea alone for those, 
who, with my poor cause at heart, have brought upon themselves 
a sweep of that wrath that hath grown so strong in its bitterness 
against myself, that, finding me now crushed, it fain would 
spend itself on those whose love and fidelity is, alas, now mine 
only cheer. 

But, my Lord, witness this for me : If, in my going out, I leave 
behind the remembrance of an unseemly word, make to my 
credit this one mark : as I have lived so shall I die, a Catholic, 
firm and true ; counting the loss of all as small if, in the losing, 
I may make for my blessed religion a little gain, and the happy 
approval, that it were better to die for God than live for the 
world. 

Earl of Shrew. There is no need, madam, for these dark allu- 
sions. The queen our mistress hath no designs, save such as 
are for your better condition. The imprisoning of the rebellious 
need not affect your comfort, if you be innocent of connection 
with the wicked. 

But as you have so far cultivated distress as to make yourself 
unfit to heed my communication, I will delay a yet further 
avowal, stating only that which necessity doth demand; that it 
be now my command from her majesty the queen that you be 
prohibited from farther interviews with your friends, except in 
the presence of myself, or some one named by me. 

[To Lady S.] Pray you, my Lady, the condition of this, our 
guest, doth for the present, at least, require your watchful and 
kind attention, and that she may need nothing, see to it that 
your attendants do prevent all delays in the gratification of her 
every wish. You may retire now. 

Q. Mary. My Lord, this be empty mockery. Why not be 



164 THE QUEENS. |act iv. 

honest, and command your lady to put a yet stricter watch upon 
me, for this be your cruel meaning. [Exit. 

Countess of S. My Lord, I pray you that you do speak with me 
when you have concluded your interview with Sir Balph. [Exit. 

Earl of Shrew. This mingling of melting softness and stirring 
fire in this queen doth forbode much mischief for us who must 
encompass her acts, and forstall her agents. 

Sad. She hath, indeed, great force of speech, and doth so 
mouth her complaints that she would well gain pity. [Exeunt. 

Scene IV. Queen Elizabeth' s Presence Chamber, Westminster 
Palace. 
Enter Queen Elizabeth, Lady Kndllys and Page. 

Q. Eliz. I am, indeed, sore of heart, and well nigh spent 
with grief. 0, that I did consent to this which I do now see 
was so great a wrong. I have not slept, nor have I known a 
moment's rest since their great urging did drag me into this 
sea of troubled conscience. 

Lady K. I pray, your Majesty, take not this past matter so 
to heart. There were need of this, elsewise there would not 
have been that fullness of accord in your Majesty's council that 
did so freely advise. 

Q. Eliz. [To Page.] Say to my lords and gentlemen, that I 
await their presence. [Exit Page. 

That you may not witness the fullness and force of my address 
to the council, I pray you that you do retire and await my pres- 
ence. 

Lady K. I trust, your Majesty, that you will no longer allow 
this matter to prey upon your heart. The cares of state do so 
demand of you that your subjects pray for a continuance of your 
health. And you would wrong yourself and them by further 
lamenting a necessity that the welfare of your kingdom did but 
so surely require. [Exit. 

Enter Lord Walsingham, Lord Burghley, and Sir 
Thomas Smith. 

Wal. Your Majesty, we salute you, and in the salutation sig- 
nify our obedience to your commands. 

Q. Eliz. 0, my lords and gentlemen, I have this day taken 



Sceite iv.] THE QUEENS. 165 

leave of my earthly peace. I do now regret me that I did 
consent to the untimely death of the Duke of Norfolk. 

Burgh, Your Majesty, this regret doth indeed add charms 
to your goodness of heart; but your firmness and loyalty to duty 
have endeared you in the hearts of your good subjects. 

Wal, Your Majesty, this, indeed, were a most unpleasant 
task. The duke unmisled was my friend; but I have no Mends 
who are your enemies, or who are disloyal to the realm. 

Q. EUz. My lords and gentlemen, I speak but the words of 
my heart when I say that I do'regret that I did permit this 
most harmful and unholy taking off of the noble Duke of Nor- 
folk. 

Look you, this man, whom you have forced me to block, was 
of noble blood, and more, was of our religion. 0, that I did 
submit to your heartless importuning. Had I but waited, affairs 
might have shaped themselves so as to have spared the spilling 
of blood from such worthy veins. It was not my purpose that 
the sentence should have been fully carried out. I meant 
rather to have held the warrant, and my sign, as a stay to 
further plotting. 

Wal. Your Majesty, there was, indeed, good and righteous 
need for this act, for so deep had the plot grown, and in such 
great danger was your royal person, that nothing but the watch- 
ful eyes of your trusted and faithful agents and friends saved 
you from dire hurt. 

Q. EUz. Gentlemen, I do await such communications as you 
have to make. I pray you that you do make but slight tax on 
my patience, for so painful is this regretting that I am illy fitted 
for matters of weight. 

Burgh. Your Majesty. From letters received yesternight 
from the Earl of Shrewsbury, likewise from those arrived to-day 
from Sir Ralph Sadler, we are informed that it is impossible to 
longer house safely the Scot with the earl. To the end that 
there shall be no attempts at rescue, or wild schemes rising, as 
a result of the present disturbance, it has been suggested that 
twenty-six additional soldiers shall be furnished and forwarded 
for the better protection of the Scottish queen. 

Wal. It has also been suggested, your Majesty, that there be 



166 THE QUEENS. [Act it. 

need for better provision for the table of the Scot and her 
retainers. A part of the letters received were heavily burdened 
with loud lamentings as to the poor napery and other furnish- 
ings allowed. 

Q. EUz. My lady hath indeed grown mighty proud. Did she 
transmit her bill signifying fully her dainty needs? Gentlemen, 
we shall have need for a new levy if this, my fine lady, doth 
swing herself yet more freely. Last month the stink was of the 
wine and beer, the month before the meat and bread were not 
to her liking. Now, with little of modesty, and less of grace, 
she doth clamor for finer linen. Fig on the tossy ! Such as she 
should say her prayers, and be thankful for crumbs ; but no, she 
doth demand the best, and even when the best is served, she 
doth exhibit such greenness that her demands are more uncom- 
fortable than the winds of March. 

Burgli. Shall the same order, your Majesty, be made as was 
last forwarded ? 

Q. EUz. The same, save the wording of it need not be so 
couched as will act as sop for further unjust demands. 

Burgh. And the troops, your Majesty ■? 

Q. EUz. If they be necessary to hold this ungrateful churl, 
let them be forwarded. The expense of quartering must be 
limited. Make to me the order when I will sign. If you have 
done, gentlemen, you may retire. [Exeunt Council. 

0, what sad demands do forge my heartless words. I would 
give the half my realm were this grievous prick removed. How 
long ! 0, how long shall this thing ride upon my tired heart ? 

Exit. 



ACT V. 

Scene I. Boom in Leicester's House. 
Enter Leicester and Loed Walsingham. 

Lei. My Lord, it were better that this thing were done. If 
we do wait for more lengthy trial, or slower creep of nature we 
shall have willed the sowing of seeds for yet deeper plots and 
more hellish cabal. 

Wal. How, my Lord, may this thing be done ? If I speak 
its right name, and to it add our consent, we are murderers. 

Lei. Nay, my Lord, necessities are the end of law, and 
removal by compliance with the necessities, would meet the full 
approval of all legalities, and add such justification as would 
gain the favorable decision of the courts. 

Wal. There be not justice, at least so the larger tribunal of the 
world would decide, in two taking unto themselves the full pre- 
rogatives of law. That the ends would satisfy the extraordinary 
means would not, I fear, my Lord, meet the deep inquiries of 
those who feel not the full burden of the case. 

Lei. I am informed that already the Scot is so much weak- 
ened, and so racked by infirmities, that those able to judge, for- 
swear her recovery. And be there not then sweet mercy to 
quickly end that which in prolonging doth but grant still greater 
pang ? And I fear this pain of body doth increase her wit ; for 
in all the years of her confinement, plots have not ripened and 
thickened so fast as they have in the days when most distress 
hath smitten her. I remember, my Lord, an ancient saying, that, 
if not of the gospel, hath in it still the spirit of mercy. In the 
down country they say that when age killeth opportunities, and 
disease eateth out desires, there be no longer fitness for one so 
smitten to live, save a hope in such restoration as the grave 
shall bring. 

Wal. But how, my Lord, shall this thing be done f 

167 



168 THE QUEENS. [Act t. 

Lei. I have in my employ a good and trusted agent, one 
acquainted with drugs, and cunning in their administration : he 
hath such foreign lore in the way of quick dispatch, that those 
who have enjoyed his lopping have in the quitting of life, so 
easy and quiet was the taking off, only regretted that the speed 
of departure cut short the opportunity for the return of thanks 
to the skillful dispatcher. Not in my service, but from truthful 
report, which I am the more willing to believe because of skill 
displayed in other delicate affairs, I learn that he hath in his 
possession a subtle drug, that one might take without suspect, 
and fall asleep, and sleeping, dream he died, and, failing to 
wake, learn in another world the dream was true. 

Wal. 0, my Lord, you are cunning and persuading; and 
your anxiety to serve our queen hath made you to harbor that 
which in less trying straits would awake your honest horror. 
No, my Lord, it is better, with the proof we have, to wait the 
slower end of law. She cannot escape us, and now that her 
secretaries have made so good a puke, we have already enough 
to damn, even if the object of our anxiety were twice the 
strength she be. 

Lei. I, my Lord, I know the law will still this wench, and 
have no fear but that the honorable judges will find naked guilt 
with little looking, and right quick pass condemnation ; but here 
the lameness of the case will make its sorry halt, to drag and tire 
the patience of those who would hide this stink that hath so 
long vexed the queen, and this our land. For look you, if 
righteous judgment be found in a day, and sentence given as the 
justice of God would not oppose, yet we might fail to meet fully 
the find of law through the over-softness in heart of this our 
queen; for it is not so long, that we have forgot what sorry work 
we had in measuring justice to the deluded Duke of Norfolk; 
and I do believe the queen would have saved his silly head, had 
not we, by devices that the stress of the times did approve, 
hasted his dispatch. 

Wal. No, my Lord, I am determined, and, while T commend 
your zeal, I will yet obey my own judgment. I pray you dis- 
miss this thing, and leave to lawful ends the dealing out of 
justice. 



Scene i.] THE QUEENS. 160 

Lei. My Lord, I did make dependence upon your friendship 
in revealing my scheme. Let me set a higher merit still upon it 
by asking that, if you do not join me by you approval, you will 
continue to meet my confidence by letting this matter remain as 
between us two; and as a token of your judgment, and as an 
earnest of my appreciation of your better thought, I will dismiss 
this matter, and offer you my hand; and in the offering signify 
my willingness to join you heartily in furthering the ends of the 
commission appointed to try the Scottish queen. 

Wal. Right ! my Lord, right ! I am glad to see this evidence 
of your better nature, and I do account it an honor, if my words 
have surfaced this which you did have in your heart. 

Lei. Thanks, my Lord, thanks. I shall join you in every 
thing that shall tend to confound the adversaries of our queen. 

Wal. Meet me then, my Lord, at the house of the treasurer. 
It is well that we make note of the matter to be heard before we 
have betrayed it in the presence of the Scot. Au revoir. 

[Exit Walshingham. 

Lei. My lord is lab but sly. I think he will not, howso, 
missay me. That I had his ear doth stay him. 

[Claps hands thrice. 

Enter Felango. 

Piano! piano! How now, what word? Did you succeed with 
your devilish aqua to/ana f You should report to me that her 
belly is in knots, or that her body is boarded for cooling. Is it 
so, or have you failed? 

Fel. That I have failed, Maestro, doth speak well for Sir 
Amias Paulet, who so closely keeps his prisoner that even a 
friend who would lull her to sleep may not play his kind office. 
Why, so close does he keep this fair lady, that even death may 
find it hard to enter in, and woo her. I showed this valiant 
keeper your pass, and, as broadly as circumstance would permit, 
hinted the sweetness of my intent; but he would none of me, 
and said: "Without royal seal, even my lords of the 'privy 
council' could not enter the chamber of his prisoner. " 

Lei. I fear you are losing your cunning, but as the reward 
I offered was great, I will stay my judgment; for, as you make 



170 THE QUEENS. [Act v. 

no return that should claim the offer I made, I fain would think 
you assayed a trial. 

Fel. So I did, Maestro, but I cannot contend against so cun- 
ning a keeper; so, lest I might be discovered, and unhappily 
bring you embarrassment, I made a grace of my retiring. 

Lei. Go you now, but meet me at Radoes to-night, at eleven 
o'clock. See to it that none notice our converse. 

[Exit Leicester right, Felango left. 

Scene II. Great Hall, Fotheringay Castle. 

High Commission discovered. {Fourteen earls, thirteen barons 
and the knights of the Privy Council.) Chancellor Bromley at 
head. 

Lord Chief Justice at table in center of hall, tvith the Queen's 
attorney -general, three solicitors, two sergeants and two nota- 
ries, with the high sheriff. 

At head of the table sets a chair of state, draped with purple. 
Common chair at left, undraped,for the Queen of Scots. 

Enter Hart, Queen of Scots, in deep mourning, two pages 
bearing train. All rise. Master of Ceremonies conducts her 
to her seat. 

Q. Mary. I see many learned in the law here, but I see none 
who appear for me. 

Brom. The Sheriff will proclaim silence. 

Sheriff. Oyez ! Oyez ! By grace of God, Elizabeth, the 
high and mighty Queen of England, France and Ireland, hath 
appointed this honorable High Commission to rightfully hear all 
matters that may be lawfully brought before it. Therefore let 
all keep silence ! Silence ! 

Brom. The high and mighty and most gracious sovereign, 
Elizabeth, Queen of England, Ireland and France, having with 
great grief of mind been informed that Mary, commonly 
called the Queen of Scots, heir of James V. of Scotland, hath 
conspired the destruction of her, and of England, and the sub- 
version of religion, hath, out of her office and duty, and lest she 



Scexe ii.] THE QUEENS. 171 

might seem to neglect God, herself, and her people, and out of 
no malice whatsoever, appointed this honorable commission to 
hear the charges objected against the said Mary, and how she 
can clear herself of them, and make known her innocency. 

Q. Mary. I came into England, my lords and gentlemen, 
to crave aid from your queen, my cousin. She had promised it 
to me. But not only has she not kept her promise, but here 
have I been unjustly retained as a prisoner, above eighteen 
years. I solemnly protest that I am no subject of the Queen of 
England. I have been, and am an independent and absolute 
queen, not constrained to appear before commissioners, nor any 
other judge whatever, save before God alone, the judge of all. 

Were I to admit the right and jurisdiction claimed over me, I 
should derogate from the majesty of my rank and station, and 
prejudice the King of Scots, my son his successors, and the 
honor of princes in general. Be it, therefore, fully understood 
that the whole and sole object of my appearing personally 
before you, is with a view to refute the calumnies and crimes 
invented and objected against me. Deprived of any friend, 
supporter, or legal adviser, f have no resource other than to 
pray that mine own attendants do bear witness in my behalf. 

It grieves me, my lords and gentlemen, that the queen my 
sister is misinformed in my regard; and that I, having been so 
many years straightly kept in prison, and become disabled in my 
limbs, and having been suffered to lie neglected, after offering so 
many reasonable conditions for my liberty, and though I have 
forewarned her of many dangers, yet has not credit been given 
me ; I have already been contemned, though most nearly allied 
to her by blood. When the Association was entered into, I fore- 
saw that whatever danger might threaten the queen my cousin, 
either from foreign princes, or at home, or for religion's sake, I 
must bear the whole blame. So I did, therefore, subscribe in all 
good faith and honesty to the articles of the Association; but 
what, my lords, hath it credited me? Mine honesty was sus- 
pected, and my purposes questioned. 

Brom. Madam, you do but delay the hearing which shall the 
more easily establish your innocency, if, happily, you may estab- 
lish it as you claim. 



172 THE QUEE2HS. [Act t. 

Q. Mary. I do object, my lords, to the legality of this pro- 
ceeding. You say that I am under the protection of the laws of 
England. That there are laws I have no doubt, for honorable 
gentlemen have so informed me, but what manner of laws they 
be I know not, for I am ignorant of all form, and have no knowl- 
edge vouchsafed to me of what special or general law I am 
charged with violating, by being held all these weary years. 

There be nothing left for me, my lords, in justice to myself, 
mine ancestry, or my son, the King of Scotland, but to adhere to 
my resolve, and declare that I am no subject; and that the 
Queen of England, my cousin, hath not the right to command me 
to appear before a tribunal that be not of my peers, or that if they 
do try me, as by the warrant you do seem determined, I, being 
an independent queen, ought not to be held by your verdict. 
Examine your consciences, my lords; look to your honor; God 
will reward you and yours for your judgment against me. 

Hatton. You are accused, madam, of conspiring against our 
lady and queen anointed; you are accused, but remember that 
you are not condemned. You say you are a queen ; be it so. 
But, in a case like this, royal dignity is not exempted from answer- 
ing, either by civil or common law, nor by the law of nations, nor 
by nature. If you be innocent, you wrong your reputation in 
avoiding a trial. You protest yourself innocent, but Queen 
Elizabeth thinks otherwise, and that not without grief and sor- 
row for the same. To examine, therefore, your innocency, she 
has appointed commissioners, most honorable, prudent, and up- 
right men, who are ready to hear you according to equity, with 
favor, and will rejoice with all their hearts if you shall clear 
yourself from this crime. Believe mo. the queen herself will be 
touched with the greatest joy. She affirmed to me on my leav- 
ing her, that never had anything more grievous befallen her, 
than that you were charged with such a crime. Wherefore, lay 
aside the bootless privilege of royal dignity, which can now be 
of no use to you; appear in judgment and show your innocency, 
lest, by avoiding a trial, you draw upon yourself suspicion, and 
lay upon your reputation an eternal blot and aspersion. 

Q. Mary. My lords, if I shall consent to appear before this 
commission, it is not as one who would consent to a trial, but 



Scene ii.] THE QUEENS. 173 

rather that I may, if happily I be allowed the opportunity, 
show mine innoeency of the foul slanders objected against 
my good name. I will, therefore, consent to this much of your 
proceedings as will afford me the opportunity of denial. 

Brom. That we may proceed regularly, as by due form of 
law provided, I would request that the statement of the charges 
against the accused be read. 

Atty-Genl. [Reads.] " Greeting. Know all men by these 
presents, that Mary, commonly known as the Queen of Scots, 
heir of James V. of Scotland, nmv lawfully and legally detained 
and held, and heretofore properly and legally summoned to ap- 
pear as defendant, is now by these presents charged, to wit : 

" That said Mary, commonly ccdled Queen of Scots, did, by her 
knowledge and by her consent and encouragement, aid and 
abet one Anthony Babington, rebel, in a most unholy and 
rebellious plot, and attempted uprising against the peace of the 
realm and the life of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ; and also 
with aiding and abetting one Nicodemus Hislop, rebel, and one 
Leopold Savage, rebel, and one George Freefair, and other per- 
sons, subjects and foreigners, who did combine, devise and plan 
against the peace of the realm and the safety and life of her 
Majesty Queen Elizabeth. And the said Mary did, by her en- 
couragement and knowledge of the acts and purposes of the 
aforenamed Babington, Hislop, Savage, Freefair and others, 
rebels, became a party to and a participant in their rebellious 
■plots and seditious plans. 

" And it is further charged that the said Mary, commonly 
ccdled Queen of Scots, did receive certain letters written by the 
said Anthony Babington, rebel, and that she did return answers 
thereto. And further, that the said letters written by Anthony 
Babington, rebel, and the answers which Mary, commonly called 
Queen of Scots, did return thereto, contained rebellious plots 
against the peace and safety of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, 
and seditious plans for the overthrow of the realm and against 
the peace and quiet of all loyed subjects. 

" And it is further charged that the said Mary, commonly called 
Queen of Scots, did seek to entice foreign princes to land their 
arms and forces within the domain of her majesty the queen, 



174 THE QUEENS. [Act y. 

against the peace and quiet of the realm. Therefore, it is hereby 
commanded that the said Mary, commonly called Queen of 
Scots, shall appear before a high commission, herein by these 
presents named and forthwith appointed, to ansiver the charges 
hereivith by this warrant made and attested. 

11 Given under my seal and by my hand this ninth day of Sep- 
tember, in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ one thousand five 
hundred and eighty-six, and of our reign the twenty-sixth. 

" Elizabeth, E." 

Brom. By this authority, and in obedience to this invest- 
ment, it becomes my office to proceed as by royal commands we 
are directed. 

Q. Mary. My Lord, these are, indeed, serious charges. If I 
be but guilty of the least of them, I am by right held, and by 
justice contemned. True, my lords and gentlemen, I did seek 
aid from foreign princes, making their proffered offers of assist- 
ance the grounds of my hope of liberty. So long had I been 
straightly kept that I did seek, as any creature might, to gain 
my freedom. I did not hold for the queen my cousin any bit- 
terness, save that she did unlawfully detain me. And that I 
might the better seek to remove myself beyond the queen my 
cousin's power, I did intercede with friends and allies for the 
forcible breaking of my prison walls. 

As to my connection either by word or thought with the man 
Babington, which you have named, and his wicked plans against 
the life of the queen my cousin, I do deny that I was a party 
thereto, or that I did encourage him in any way or manner. 

Brom. Madam, the charges you have heard. To meet them 
it will be necessary to dispute by the introduction of proofs the 
truthfulness of the accuse. 

Q. Mary. My Lord, it is a right easy thing to charge that a 
lone, weak woman did plan and conspire to overthrow a mighty 
kingdom, and seek the life of its powerful queen. This might 
be charged against a babe. You do miss the ends of justice, my 
lords and gentlemen, and fall far short of exact honesty, if these 
charges which are objected against me bo not stayed by at- 
tempts at proof, and I be not allowed to meet and answer my 



Scene n.] THE QUEENS. 175 

accusers 7 and examine written testimony, if such you possess, 
that you do intend to introduce, and use against me. 

Burgh. My Lord, may we not meet the ends of justice, and 
answer the full letter of our instructions, if we do proceed with- 
out impatient interruptions from the accused. 

Q. Mary. My Lord, this whole matter has in it so much to 
stir the blood of innocence, and is without such due forms of 
legality, that interruptions that are spurred by indignation have 
in them as much grace as do the appearances of righteousness 
with which you seek to awe me. 

Brom. If the defendant will restrain her impatience, we may 
proceed more orderly, and waste less time. I would lay before 
you for your consideration, my lords and gentlemen, and also 
for such answer thereto as the defendant maymake, certain corre- 
spondence, consisting of notes, letters, messages and dispatches, 
which have passed between the defendant, Mary, commonly 
called Queen of Scots, and the late Anthony Babington, rebel. 
A portion of these letters were used in the trial of the late An- 
thony Babington, rebel, and through them largely was his guilt 
established. Many of these writings were written in a secret ci- 
pher, but by the assistance of the secretaries of the defendant, 
these letters have been carefully and truthfully deciphered, and 
copies have been made. By these letters, and other corroborat- 
ing testimony, we are fully justified in assuming the guilt of the 
defendant as alleged in the charges heretofore submitted. 

The guilt of the late Anthony Babington, rebel, and those as- 
sociated with him in his most unholy and rebellious plot, and 
who so justly met their deserts by forfeiture of their lives, was, 
after a fair and most careful trial, fully established. If these 
were deemed worthy of death, who played but secondary parts, 
should not the instigator and master spirit in this most wicked 
and murderous plot against the peace and life of the queen, her 
majesty, be held answerable ? And, if found guilty, be adjudged 
worthy of the same punishment as was meted to her blind and 
fanatic dupes'? 

Q. Mary. These extravagant assertions, my Lord, do, when 
unsupported by your noisy eloquence, lose entirely their force 
and significance, and are only entitled to respectful attention 



176 THE QUEENS. [Act v. 

when you have stayed them with a promise of proffered proof, 
which shall meet honest scrutiny and command respectful atten- 
tion. 

Burgh. Less boastful straining, madam, for words to assist 
your bold brag, would meet better the seriousness of your situ- 
ation. 

Q. Mary. If it be brag, my Lord, to attempt to stay this 
flood of vile slander against my good name, I pray Grod that I 
be more fully endowed with vanter courage, and so employ 
defiance that I may shame your wicked designs. 

Brom. This exhibition of unseemly ranting, if allowed to 
continue, would make a mockery of our high office, and set at 
naught the commands of her majesty the queen. 

Q. Mary. The mockery, my Lord, hath with sore travail pains 
been brought forth. All this show of gaudy pomp, and all this 
array of learned, legal talent, which would assist in its sham 
christening, may not make legitimate that which was foul in its 
conception and a bastard by birth. 

Hatton. Madam, such flippant familiarity with things gros- 
sier illy becomes a lady, much less one claiming to be a queen. 
You do but make more difficult your task of establishing your 
innocency, if you indulge in your attempts to traduce your judges 
in the language of criminals and the low trickery of a dissiin- 
uler. Bethink yourself, madam, rather how you shall meet 
these most serious objections that have risen up against you. 

Q. Mary. If I am but to meet hearsay, I do, indeed, well 
offset it by replying in such terms as would meet your own 
groundless allusions. 

Chief Just. My lords, this is, indeed, a hearing, but it re- 
quires much charity of thoughts to dignify it with other appella- 
tion than that of brawl. If we are to consume the time by 
listening to vain denials and boastful tongue-antics, we would 
do well to employ a merry Andrew to sustain with credit our 
part of the drollery. 

Q. Mary. If the froth of speech constituted a verdict, my 
lords, you might well return to the queen my cousin, and say 
me guilty after the gustful speech of yon legal dignitary. 

Brom. To make good the accusations, or to support them by 



Scene ii. j THE QUEENS. 177 

testimony as yet undisputed, I would here introduce portions of 
the correspondence heretofore alluded to. I would, therefore, 
call upon the queen's counsel to read exhibit marked " A. " This 
is a letter written by Anthony Babington, rebel, and is dated 
May 16, 1586. The counsel will read. 
■ Atty.-Genl. [Meads.] " To her Most Gracious Majesty, Mary, 
Queen of Scotland, England and Ireland : 

" Afflicted and distressed Sovereign: With the full consent of 
your trusted friends, and by the advice of those tvise in counsel, 
we have, through the grace of God, enlisted such sympathy and 
gained such willing hands, that we may now safely regard our 
scheme as fully matured. By recent advices from the King of 
France, and, through him, from the Holy Father at Borne, we have 
received full assurance of the hearty sympathy of the noble and 
generous Philip of Spain, in this our most righteous and holy 
cause. After due deliberation aad most careful planning, we 
have the train so carefully laid and friends so judiciously sta- 
tioned, that we make no thought of failure. As for her who has 
risen as your unjust keeper, we have most carefully planned a 
speedy removal. It but remains for the signifying of your 
pleasure in the counseling of your friends to attempt with us your 
liberation and restoration. With feelings of the approval of God 
and our own conscience, tve trust we may soon offer you the fruits 
of our exertion, your personal liberty and full vindication. 
" Yours for Christ and Crown, 

"A. B.» 

Q. Mary. My lords and gentlemen, if this you have read be 
true or false I know not, but this I do know, I never received 
such a missive. If a subject may so far forget himself as to rise 
up against his rightful sovereign, he should be punished. If he 
should write letters to innocent persons, who sympathize not in 
his dark deeds, and these letters are discovered, is it just to 
hold the person to whom they are wrongfully addressed as par- 
ticeps criminis ? But I claim, my lords and gentlemen, that the 
letter just read by the queen's counsel may not be true, either 
as an original, or as a copy. My Lord Bromley, has admitted 
that this which you have heard is but a copy. To hurt my 



178 THE QUEENS. [Act y. 

reputation, and befoul my good name, and to ensnare me, per- 
haps to my death, might not one evilly disposed add to or take 
from that which was written, whether good or ill ? 

My lords and gentlemen, not of knowledge, but of mine own 
opinion, I would hold the poor late Anthony Babington not a 
silly ; and yet, if he did write such bilk as this letter you have 
heard read, and so broadly hint the taking off of my cousin the 
queen, he could well spare his empty pate, for he would have 
proven it was a useless noddle, and far too big to house his lit- 
tle thought. Men with great plans do not thus blab, either by 
mouth or by writing, when they would reach and overthrow a 
kingdom or set aside a queen. I fear me that in this hatching and 
strain of effort to make seeming good proof to deepen my sorry 
plight, some over careless hands, with little love for truth, have 
made attempt to unwind this so-called secret cipher, which my 
Lord Bromley has so loudly commented upon. I have it within 
me to discover mine own suspect, and speak my mind, and say, 
that I do feel that the letter just read hath about it a most 
striking exhibit of rank faussete and wicked malignite. So 
strong is this feeling and such acute suspicions doth it awake 
that I cannot forbear to openly declare that my Lord Walsing- 
ham was not only privy to this most wicked deceit, but that he 
did counsel and assist in the preparing and presenting of this 
most shameful and false letter. 

Brom. Madam, this is a most bold and wicked accuse. 

Wal. Pardon me, my Lord, permit me to speak the force of 
my indignation, and make denial of this wanton draff. My 
lords and gentlemen, you will not lay to my door that I do lack 
patience, or that I am a stranger to forbearance ; but the loud 
mouthings of this shame-faced ingrate have quickened my de- 
nial of her foul slur. If we are, my lords and gentlemen, to 
listen alone to the vain stomaching of this brazen plotter, we 
might with better prudence have lent our ears to fish- wives' 
scandal, or saved this tax upon our good natures to meet the 
ends of justice. I do hurl back in my own behalf this empty 
charge against mo laid. There were no need, my lords and 
gentlemen, to alter or amend this accursed letter, for, without 
this, there be .such damning proofs of her full consent, and quick 






Scene ii.] THE QUEENS. 179 

desire to break the peace of the realm, and take the life of her 
majesty the queen, that I had it in my thought to save the prick 
of this sharp instrument frominflicting a heart by guilt made sore; 
but now my lords and gentlemen, I counsel that nothing be 
kept back ; for, not content with plotting against the realm and 
crown, this hardened, ungrateful and brazen woman, doth fling 
in our very faces her bold affront, and hopes by loud denials, 
and windy accuse to turn aside the sword of justice. 

Q. Mary. Softly, my Lord, softly ; I did but speak that which 
was repeated to me. Powder doth not explode without the 
touch of fire. Innocence would be amazed, but may not guilt 
seek to hide beneath anger's fiery speech its blushes of self 
accusing ? You, my Lord, stand surrounded by your friends and 
sympathizers ; the sharpness of your words meets their approval. 
If I do turn your blows by arguments that circumstance doth 
suggest, you flash upon me the anger of your spite. I would not 
seek to awake your sympathies, my lords and gentlemen, by 
much speaking. If you have already agreed upon your verdict, 
you might well command my silence. My interest ceases when 
I may not answer your foul calumnies, and so for me this farce 
might end, and I seek within my prison chapel the consolation 
of prayer. 

Brom. My lords and gentlemen, yet another letter from the 
same person, and addressed, as was the first, to the accused; 
this is dated June 15, 1586, and is from Northumberland, that 
breeding-place of rebellion and nest of sedition. The Counsel 
will read. 

Atty.-Genl. [Beads.] " Gracious and mighty Queen, ruler of 
Scotland and England, the grace of God salute you, peace of Christ 
be ivithyou. By the time that your eyes have met this writing I shall 

be on my ivay, with good Father Ballard, and D , and P , 

and other chosen spirits whose hearts are filled ivith the right- 
eousness of your cause, toward Bichmond House. If, by grace 
of God, we pass all obstacles, and find ourselves with in striking 
distance, take to yourself the full assurance that what God has 
directed, courage will accomplish. And before your morning 
prayers, we trust, by grace of God, that she who holds, and by 
the holding curses, shall be dispatched, and that the first dawn- 



180 THE QUEENS. [Act v. 

ing of the coming of the true religion and your own sweet 
liberty shall break. 

" Faithfully for God and right, 

"B ." 

Still another, my lords and gentlemen, dated 9th of July, 
1586, and upon this hangs the connection with those just read, 
for it proves, not only that the accused had full knowledge of 
the awful plot, but that some of the details were suggested by 
herself. The Counsel will read. 

Atty.-Genl. [Beads.] " Beloved and gracious Queen, by grace of 
God, peace. Yours of the 3d, sanctified by your ivishes and blessed 
by your prayers, reached me tivo days after its dispatch. We 
had fully agreed upon accepting the proffered aid of Broadbent, 
but upon the receipt of your letter, which disclosed to us your 

suspicion of his faithlessness, I at once dispatched D zvith 

instructions to play upon his mind, and, by making pretense of 
necessity, dispatched him foreign, and so haply he is out of the 
ivay. As to your suggestion as to the best means of surprising 
your guards, I ivill say that it shall be acted upon as you direct. 

" I am pleased to receive your sanction for the point of our 
scheme. Other matters to your interest are prospered of God, 
and for your comfort and safety zve offer daily prayers. 

" Yours faithfully, 

" B ." 

Brom. My lords and gentlemen, I have little need to continue, 
A mind without prejudice, that is able to comprehend, must see 
that the contents of these letters more than prove all we have 
objected against the accused. 

Q. Mary. My Lord, you have but read the letters which you 
claim this man Babington forwarded to me. I do deny that I 
ever received them , and, while I admit, without prejudice to my 
case, that this man did write letters intended for me, yet I most 
earnestly deny that any that had the fortune to reach mo con- 
tained any word or sentence in which the life or peace of my 
cousin the queen was threatened. 

Burgh. My lords and gentlemen, is it not more proper that 
we proceed, and avoid these frequent interruptions? Thus far 
we have missed the form intended. 



Scene ii.] THE QUEENS. 181 

Q.Mary. Form? My lords and gentlemen, you have missed 
all form in the conception of your ideas of justice. 

Brom. In the great mass of written testimony in possession 
of the crown, we possess a number of letters, notes, dispatches 
and messages. After what has been already read, the counsel 
for the crown doth not deem it necessary to submit other 
samples of this most conclusive proof of the guilt of the accused, 
except one letter written by the accused herself, and addressed 
to the aforesaid Anthony Babington, rebel. As this letter is 
long, the counsel will read only that portion in which the defend- 
ant clearly and unmistakably gives her consent to the rebellious 
plans and aims of the aforesaid Babington. This letter is dated 
June 17, 1586, and was sent to Dethick House, Derbyshire. 
The Counsel will read extract marked " 1," in the margin of 
exhibit " D." 

Atty.-Geril. [Beads.] "I do give, most trusted friend, my 
full consent to your suggestion of the second. I would counsel 
the greatest care, not only in adhering to the time agreed upon, 
but also to the choice of assistants. You know my abhorrency 
for blood- shedding. I am aivare that so great a move may not 
be accomplished ivithout some disquiet. It must follow that 
there shall be those who may receive from your hands some 
dis-ease, but I pray you, as you are a Christian, that there be no 
unnecessary taking of human life. 

11 See to it that those whose duty shall be to strike for my rescue, 
shall temper boldness ivith mercy, and that those who seek to 
prevent the queen my cousin's interference ivith my restora- 
tion, be instructed to accomplish their purpose tvith as little 
force and harshness as may be. To the rest of your plan I most 
heartily agree. 

" Yours with trusting, and hope, and faith in God's eternal 
justice. " Marie, R." 

Q. Mary. My lords and gentlemen, have I not already sus- 
tained from your hands indignities enough ? Lest in my tower- 
ing indignation I forget my denial, I would say once and for all, 
that that which you have just heard read is not, nor ever was, 
either my letter, my composition, or my thought. My Lord 
Bromley says the original was in secret cipher; if so, this alleged 



182 THE QUEENS. [Act V. 

copy is baser, more false, more devilish than those you have 
heard read as the productions of poor Babington. Shame! Shame! 
dignitaries of the law! Shame! Shame! Honorable Knights 
of the Privy Council! Shame! Honorables of high and low 
degree ! Shame on all who have lent themselves to this accursed 
invention! Not content with holding me, unlawfully, a prisoner 
for years, and robbing me of my dowry, you now seek, by bare- 
faced forgery and low, designing cunning, to so ensnare me that 
I may be entrapped to my death, and be to all posterity damned 
of reputation. But look you, the world shall, even as God doth, 
judge me, and your dark and devilish inventions shall avail you 
nothing. If I am drawing near to my end, and you, my lords, 
are to be the promoters of my death, my going out shall credit 
me more than your cruel and unjust verdict shall you. 

As in the beginning I did earnestly and plainly state, I am no 
subject of the Queen of England, nor am I bound to respect her 
laws. I came as one craving an asylum of rest. I came upon 
the urging of the queen my cousin, and I do wear to this very 
hour upon my finger the ring which she did send me as an ear- 
nest of her regard, and a pledge of her sincerity. How has this 
pledge of friendship been kept? How have I been treated? Of 
what doth this ring, the pledge of a queen, profit me? 

I ask you, my lords and gentlemen, if you have within you, 
yet not wholly dead, a spark of sympathy or a grain of justice, 
to consider my case as one in which rank injustice, cold and un- 
feeling heartlessness have been, from the first day of my landing 
upon your shores, my constant companions. 

I have been dragged from one stronghold to another, deprived 
of my people, and mine attendants driven from me. I have been 
forced to submit to every form of indignation and insult. And 
what, I pray you, is my crime? Urged by the wickedness and 
weakness of those who should have been friends, I, who am a 
rightful queen, and a royal mother, am deprived of my throne 
and forcibly kept from my child. Is this a crime? No, my 
lords; I am persecuted because I am not of the religion as is 
tin; queen my cousin. This is my only crime; for this I suffer 
and ;mi held a prisoner. Now that your queen my cousin may 
finish her exquisite tortures, I am summoned before this high 



Scene ii.] THE QUEENS. 183 

tribunal, composed of gentlemen, learned in the law, and with 
favorites who seek to earn the smile of their queen by urging 
my tears. 

I see before me men of law, who are armed and capped with 
subtle intent to probe me to the quick. That I may be the bet- 
ter ensnared, your queen has sent her most cunning and crafty 
sergeants to entangle my speech, and suggest befogging ques- 
tions. That I may be humiliated, and my rank and majesty 
latched by slander and blackened by falsehood, the most un- 
scrupulous and designing of the untruthful have been retained 
to appear against me. And those bent alone on malicho are in- 
vited to spew their filthy slanders upon my defenseless head. 

I am alone, deprived of an advocate, stript of my papers, and 
even mine own words and statements are uncredited. Every 
attempt I make to answer your foul calumnies is met with scorn 
and contempt . 

I stand before you a maligned, neglected, unfriended woman j 
confronted by paid legal talent, and bribed and dishonest wit- 
nesses. In this position, and under these circumstances, I am 
on trial for my life. I ask not for pity, not for mercy ; I only ask 
for that justice that you would give the most vulgar criminal. 
As an earnest of mine innocency, I demand through you of the 
queen my cousin, that, if I am to be tried, I be tried before my 
peers. If this may not be, then I crave and demand that my 
hearing shall be in your open parliament. This, indeed, have I 
a right to demand, being an independent queen. Go on with 
your mockery; this I may not prevent, but spare me further par- 
ticipation in your wanton inflictions. 

Brom. It is not of election, my lords and gentlemen, that 
we read farther of these letters; their striking similitude unne- 
cessitates the waste of time by their repetition. They may be 
considered in council, and, as the accused has denied the truth 
of their contents, and even their originality, I will not detain 
you by a more lengthy reading. 

Q. Mary. Had you, my Lord, as much solicitude for my 
bruised heart as you have for the tender ears of my would-be- 
judges, I might be spared a part of the cruel punishment in- 
flicted upon me. 



184 THE QUEENS. [Act v. 

Burgh. My lords and gentlemen, the overspeaking of the 
accused is not proof. I am tired, as you must be, of this noisy 
and undignified mouthing. The accused has made statements 
which I cannot, in justice to her majesty the queen, let pass at 
this time unnoticed, for there may be those who would think 
that'her majesty has been unmindful in her care of the accused, 
and neglected her comfort, if there should be no positive denial 
of her unwarranted accusations. 

It is the testimony of those who have been with the accused 
since her coming hither, that she has been well treated. That 
she hath been detained, as was lawful, I make no denial. How 
far she has been a prisoner you may judge, my lords and gentle- 
men, when I state, as a truth, that when I went, in company 
with the proper officers, to summons her to appear before this 
legal and rightfully constituted commission, I found the accused 
fully robed, and elegantly mounted, about starting on a day's 
sport with her protector, Sir Amias Paulet, and attendants, in a 
romping hunt over the hills and vales. The annals of the Tower, 
or the records of our county gaols, do not mention that pris- 
oners within their keeping were permitted to join frolicsome 
out-door sports. 

When first this person came to our shores, a fugitive from 
justice, pursued by indignant and wronged subjects, she brought 
in her train upward of seventy people. They came without 
means, and most of them with but a single shift to their backs. 
In such sad straits was the accused herself, that she did impor- 
tune her majesty the queen for a change of gown; and with 
that liberality and sweet goodness of heart that hath so glad- 
dened her reign, the queen her majesty sent to her the honor- 
able and most noble Lady Scrope, with full and abundant 
orders to supply the every need of the pursued, and quondam 
queen. She complains, my lords and gentlemen, that she was 
dragged from one stronghold to another. How much truth 
there is in this, judge. She was lodged at first with the good 
and honorable Lord and Lady Scrope, and her army of attend- 
ants was permitted to remain in her company. She had not 
been housed in the comfortable and elegant castle of my Lord 
Scrope for a quarter year before she began her quarrelsome 



Scene ii.] THE QUEENS. 185 

complainings, that the situation was unhealthy, and churlishly 
demanded that she be removed. With great patience and 
goodness of heart her majesty the queen did consent to her 
removal; but as the tax was over-great for the maintenance of 
so hungry a crowd as sought, by clinging to the fortunes of their 
fallen mistress, to be nursed by the bounty of her gracious pro- 
vider, it was deemed right and proper, as prudence will 
acknowledge, that a part of this mob should be returned to 
Scotland. And so this now-grown-fat and impudent herd was 
reduced to the number of thirty. This included the Scot's 
private chaplain and his assistant, her own surgeon and his 
apothecary, four maids, her own cook and two scullions, three 
pages, two private secretaries, and fourteen ladies and gentle- 
men in waiting. These have been with her constantly, with 
only such restraint as her own unlawful acts have forced those 
to use who have acted as her protectors. 

She has had daily exercise as her own wishes would suggest. 
She has also had full indulgence in all pastimes, including tennis 
and the chase. Horses have been at her disposal, and she has 
freely accepted their proffer. 

As from year to year she persisted in her unlawful acts and 
seditious intrigues, such watch has been kept upon her as the 
peace of the realm and the safety of her majesty the queen de- 
manded. I leave it to you, my lords and gentlemen, from the 
testimony already submitted, whether or not it has been con- 
ducive to public good to restrain the accused, and whether, from 
the undisputed evidence of her guilt, and her intentions as to the 
destruction of her majesty the queen she may not be rightfully 
condemned and righteously executed. 

Q. Mary. justice ! law ! What shame and wrong may 
not be enacted in thy name. Power and might are thy weapons, 
and cruelty and oppression thine allies. 

My lords and gentlemen, I have never thought to harm the 
life of the queen my cousin. I have sought my liberty, as in na- 
ture any creature might; there is naught in this that by rights 
should deprive me of my life or make it needful to accuse me of 
attempted murder. I have been watched day and night. By 
night a sentinel has lodged at my chamber door ; by day a paid 



186 THE QUEENS. [Act v. 

shadow has dogged my steps ; my very breathings have been 
counted, and my troubled dreams regarded. 

Burgh. Such watching only, my lords and gentlemen, as 
was necessary to circumvent the plottings of the accused was 
exercised. 

But enough; I will not tire longer your good sense by denying 
her loud stomachings. Let us consider the proofs offered in fur- 
ther testimony of the support of the truthfulness of the letters 
already read in our hearing. As a means to this end, I would 
ask my Lord Bromley to call for the reading of the confessions of 
the two secretaries of the accused. 

Q. Mary. Are the statements of my late secretaries made 
under oath? 

Brom. Under oath, madam. My lords and gentlemen, 
these men, though foreign, and with no interest save that they 
should make their own acts blameless, have made a full and free 
confession of the part taken in the wicked plots and plans of the 
late Anthony Babington, rebel, by their mistress. This, or these 
confessions, are made under solemn oath. 

Q. Mary. My Lord, of what worth is this oath? When 
these, my late secretaries, did seek employment in my service, 
the usages of court and the requirements of circumstance did 
exact from them a solemn oath of secrecy in all matters pertain- 
ing to affairs of state, as well as mine own private correspondence. 
If they have, by threat, or even torture, been urged to violate 
their most solemn obligation tome, they are no longer worthy to 
be believed under any circumstances, for it is shown by your own 
statement, my Lord, that they regard not the binding force of an 
oath, and in all courts wherewith I am acquainted, a person who 
is known to violate his oath in one instance is held incompetent 
to give further testimony. 

And further, my lords and gentlemen, I am told that your 
parliament has lately enacted a law, with the full approval of 
the queen,my cousin, that no person shall bo condemned as con- 
spiring against the person or life of a prince, except he be so 
condemned on the testimony of two good, competent witnesses; 
and the law plainly reads that the, accused shall be brought face 
to face with the accusing witnesses. 



Scene il] THE QUEENS. 187 

If, my Lord, these my late loose secretaries, have accused me, 
their benefactor, why do you not, as by law directed, bring them 
into my presence, that I may question them, and thereby confound 
them? 

Atty.-Genl. It is not meet, my lords and gentlemen, that an 
accused of such known and unscrupulous dissimulation, and out- 
rageous duplicity, and one who, through the debasing supersti- 
tions of her enslaving creed, has so worked upon her retainers, 
that they do her bidding without questioning or sense, should be 
allowed to interrogate her accusers, who may not have wholly 
overcome their blind infatuation, or weak enchantment. The 
spirit of the wise law, so flippantly referred to by the accused, 
would, undoubtedly, sanction broad discretion in its administra- 
tion. 

Q. Mary. When a sworn advocate of the laws not only sanc- 
tions, but urges, the open violation of statutes, the innocent may 
well despair of justice, and the accused un think of mercy. 

My lords and gentlemen, with me this unseemly and cruel 
farce should end. As you, apparently by a forefixed determina- 
tion, have shaped your conclusions, you may continue without 
serious interruption to your deliberations, without my presence. 

As a witness I am deprived of the opportunity of testifying. 
As mine own advocate, I may not speak without invoking slur- 
ring and insulting comments. By your heartless and unmercied 
decrees I am without friendly defense. Why should I for longer, 
by my participation in your wanton inflictions, intensify my suf- 
ferings? 

Brom. By command and direction of her majesty, the queen, 
we are instructed to conclude our deliberations of this most try- 
ing matter in counsel with herself. 

Q. Mary. My lords and gentlemen, if you are to conclude 
this faux epreuve and render your already determined verdict in 
secret council, I may, without disturbing your deliberations, now 
retire. If you so easily halt at your own legal enactment, the 
forms of common law may be wholly disregarded, and you not 
only find your verdict, but pass your sentence without the pres- 
ence of the accused. 

But I have done. Appeals to the heart, petitions to legality, 



188 THE QUEENS. [Act v. 

are alike useless. Do with me as you will; but forget uot this : 
God will hold you accouutable for your judgment of me, and 
posterity render to my reputation that justice you so shamelessly 
withhold. 

Brom. Does the defendant refuse to continue to answer to 
the charges I 

Q. Mary. My Lord, I have answered the charges as read. 
As there are no witnesses present for me 10 meet and question, 
my further attendance would but afford you opportunity to in- 
flict yet deeper and more painful hurts. In respect, therefore, 
to my rank and station, and that I may preserve my dignity, I 
would now decline to further lend myself to your proceedings. 
For, if I do continue my presence, I may seem to sanction this 
unnatural assuetude. 

Brom. The necessity, my lords and gentlemen, for further 
continuance of the present hearing need not be pressed. The 
churlish refusal of the accused to answer the lawful questions of 
the counsel for the crown, and her determination to retire before 
the full testimony is presented, leaves the commission only the 
alternative of proceeding without her, or adjourning for council 
deliberations, as directed by her majesty the queen. 

Atty.-Gen. We may continue the hearing, my Lord, and by 
exhibition of lawful force compel the attendance of the accused. 

Burgh. Xot without unseemly and harsh means, and the use 
of such force as would provoke comment, and invite a question 
as to the legality of our proceedings. 

Chief Jus. If undisputed testimony can convict, the ac- 
cused is, of truth, condemned. But, were the testimony made 
of non-effect, the shame-faced confession of the wretched plotter 
would, indeed, adjudge her an ungeld. 

Q. Mary. Reach no further, my Lord, for terms to wound ; 
the heart your blows would crush may not feel an added pain. 
Sec ! The woman within my poor nature shrinks at your merci- 
less stabs, but the queen resents your foul slanders. 

[Queen Mary speaks aside with Lord Burghlcy and Hatton, 
then exit.] 

Brom. My lords and gentlemen, the retirement of the de- 
fendant sin mid signal the closing of this assembly. The further 



Scene hi.] THE QUEENS. 189 

consideration of the matter may be left to the full council. 
Therefore, by authority in me invested by her most gracious 
majesty the queen, I do hereby declare and announce that this 
sitting is now closed. All who have been commanded to ap- 
pear at this hearing will hold themselves to answer the sum- 
mons of the proper officers of her majesty's court. 

Master of Cer. Yes ! Yes ! By grace of God, Elizabeth, 
the high and mighty queen of England, Ireland and France, 
does by her rightfully appointed officer, hereby declare this as- 
sembly closed. Let all retire in order ; and may God preserve 
her gracious majesty, and confound all enemies. 

[Curtain. 

Scene III. Audience room, Westminster Palace. 
Enter Walsingham, Burghley, Leicester and Hatton. 

Hatton. My lords, if this matter must be urged, I pray you 
that you do sanction my silence. I dare perform any mission 
that hath in it the approval of my heart, but this which you 
would now press upon the queen her majesty hath not the full 
approve of my soul ; therefore, my lords, I pray you to grant me 
my asking. 

Lei. My lords and gentlemen, whatever of censure there be 
in this it will not rest upon us. Parliament has already voted 
measures urging this most righteous execution. They will at 
this hour so inform the queen her majesty. 
Enter Keeper. 

Keeper. Her gracious majesty the Queen! my lords and gen- 
tlemen, the Queen ! 

Enter Queen Elizabeth. 

Q. Eliz. My lords and gentlemen, I do attend for such com- 
munication as you have to make. I pray you be seated. If you 
have come to urge upon me the necessity of action that shall cut 
short the life of the Scot, I pray that you withhold further urg- 
ing. Already am I broken in sleep and disturbed by day. Food 
hath lost its savor, and so sore is my heart with this most awful 
and dire distress that I have within me no ease. 

Burgh. Most gracious Majesty, I did but yesterday receive 
from your honorable ambassador at the court of France, message 



190 THE QUEENS. [Act v. 

which doth pertain to the very matter wherewith we would ad- 
dress you. 

Q. Eliz. That I may not lack in my duty, I would listen to 
such as are prompted by sense of right. Read to me the letter 
of the ambassador. 

Burgh. Such portions, your Majesty, of the honorable am- 
bassador's letter as relates to the business in hand only need be 
read. [Beads.] " Say to her majesty the queen that I am per- 
suaded, both from the knowledge I have gained at this court 
and from such as reach me from the court of Spain, as well as 
from Borne, that for her majesty to longer delay the righteous 
execution of the condemned Scottish queen doth endanger her 
peace, and thereby the safety of her realm. Too long already 
hath she nursed this she-wolf. The bigotry of her religion, and 
the blindness of her followers, would sanction the darkest means, 
and urge the foulest ends to restore her to liberty, and to re- 
establish her vile religion. Say to her majesty the queen that 
not only her own realm, but the friends of liberty in foreign 
lands, look to her that she shall fearlessly perform her just 
duty." 

Q. Eliz. My lords and gentlemen, this might have been 
more softly put. It hath in it a tone of curstness little less than 
unrespect. Have I grown so weak that I do need this loud 
proclaiming to teach me my duty ? I will say to my honorable 
ambassador, that he hath good need to soften his manners and 
polish his expressions. 

Lei. Your Majesty has missed the disturb among the peo- 
ple. The necessity of this righteous move is strongly felt by 
the commons, and by them the decollation hotly demanded. 

Q. Eliz. Do my people demand of me this thing ? 

Lei. That they do, your Majesty, may be the more fully 
answered by their representatives. In outer room doth wait 
the committee from Parliament, who would inform your Majesty 
of their recent and most righteous act. 

Q. Eliz. If these gentlemen be in attendance bid them enter. 

Keeper. Gentlemen, enter by her Majesty's command. 
Enter Committee of Parliament. 



Scene hi.] THE QUEENS. 191 

Q. Eliz. Gentlemen, I am informed that you would make a 
communication to me as expressing the will of Parliament. 

Snow. [Beads.] " Most gracious Majesty. By vote of Parlia- 
ment in assembly convened, we are directed to communicate to 
your gracious Majesty the vote whereby the assembled body did 
pass, and do urge for your early action, first, their approval of 
the sentence as righteously found by your royal high commis- 
sion against the person and forfeited life of Mary Stuart, heir of 
James of Scotland; and your Parliament would ask that you do 
issue your royal seal that the sentence already found be duly 
and speedily carried out upon the person of said Mary Stuart, 
who hath so well demerited it." 

Q. Eliz. Gentlemen, as you have in writing expressed your 
desires, I can but request that you leave with me for consider- 
ation the expressions of your vote. Say to Parliament that I 
shall give this matter my most earnest and prayerful attention, 
and that only such delay shall precede my resolve as prudence 
and mercy shall dictate. Gentlemen, you may retire. 

[Exeunt Com. 

Lei. This answers, your Majesty, your query as to the de- 
mands of the commons. Not alone they, but those who hold 
the sacredness of your royal person as in danger, and who 
tremble for the peace and safety of your realm. How long, your 
Majesty, how long will the tenderness of your heart plead against 
your better judgment. The years agone bear full testimony to 
your mercy; and but the graciousness of your forbearance hath 
permitted this most grievous and hurtful wrong to disturb your 
own quiet, and threaten the stability of the whole realm. 

Burgh. Your Majesty, not alone have you to think of the 
well-forfeited life of this treacherous Scot, but regard your own 
personal safety, and the welfare of your subjects. 

Q. Eliz. My Lords, I pray you leave me, I would no longer 
have you goad me with this matter. I will confer further when 
I have more thought touching this most awful business. 

You may retire. My Lord Leicester I would a word with you. 
[Exit Burghley, Walsingham and Hatton. 

My Lord, see to it that the doors are securely closed. I would 



192 THE QUEENS. [Act y. 

speak with you upon this matter as we have before conferred, in 
trust and confidence. 

Lei. Your Majesty, it doth pain my heart that stress of the 
times doth demand the settling of this foul and unhealthy mat- 
ter. I would, your Majesty, that I might take from your heart 
this, the burden of your necessities. I have wept for you, and 
my own heart aches as only yours must have ached in this sad 
and most trying position. I know how much, your Majesty, you 
dread the shedding of human blood, and how you would gladly 
withhold your royal seal from the consent of this execution, if 
you but obeyed the promptings of your soul. 

Q. Eliz. Oh my Lord ! How much my heart aches none may 
know save God. Is there not some way to turn this blow aside? 
Cannot this decree be changed? May not the Scot be yet 
longer held in some secure castle, where, by faithful guards she 
may be prevented from working further harm ? 

Lei. It is not, your Majesty, so much a question of securely 
holding the rightfully condemned Scot, as it is to prevent the 
meddlesome interference of the over zealous and designing. We 
may, indeed, securely detain her, but while she doth remain 
alive, she is still a spark around which her hot and unscrupu- 
lous friends and co-religionists may fling their embers of dire 
attempts, and so fan and keep alive within your realm a spirit 
of discontent, that shall prevent the sway of peace and the ap- 
proach of quiet. Mary dead is peace assured. Mary alive is 
the nursing of broils. Such sweet prosperity hath followed 
your gracious reign that you have gained the love of your sub- 
jects and the praise of sympathizing princes 

Q. Eliz. 0, that this deed were done, and that I might turn 
and by loud denouncing disclaim my sanction of the act. 

Lei. So may you, your Majesty. Leave to me, I pray you, 
the righteous ending of this sorry affair. I will not only bring 
you quiet, but so silently despatch this business as to satisfy the 
people, and in so doing bring to you the full approval of all 
good subjects. 

Q. Eliz. Let the secretary bring to me to-morrow the war- 
rant, I will sign it, but it shall not have my seal for its execu- 
tion. I would hold it until this softness doth congeal. I would 



Scene iv.] THE QUEENS. 193 

that I might fall asleep, and on awakening find that the will of 
the people had been met. 

Lei. No longer, I pray you, your Majesty, keep this sad 
pressure on your heart. The secretary shall attend, and when 
you have signed the warrant, it shall be held for your further 
pleasure. 

Q. Eliz. Oh crown ! Oh throne ! Oh royal birth ! so few the 
joys thou bringest, that he who hath the most of these hath 
most of pain and least of ease. God, thou King of kings, Thou 
Ruler of princes, search Thou my heart. Support me with Thy 
strength, 0, God, that my fainting soul may not shrink from 
duty. [Exeunt. 

Scene IV. Room in Earl of Leicester's House, London. 
Enter Felango. 
Eel. [Extinguishes light.] Now is this my opportunity. 
Those papers are in this drawer ; once in my possession, his 
churchy lordship must dance to my harping. [ Unlocks drawer, 
removes papers, conceals them.] Fortune is kind ; I have waited 
long for this, but it is all the better for waiting. These papers, 
like wine, have improved with age. I have safe now within my 
keeping the compact made between the good earl my master 
and the pious Bishop of Ross. These show how the good earl 
trapped the weak Duke of Norfolk to his death, and they also 
show that the good, loyal earl had his finger in other treasona- 
ble plots. With these for threats, I may well serve myself, and 
humble the proud earl a bit. With these I may smooth the way 
to an easy end. [Falls over chair. 

Enter Barney. 
Barney. Sure! By me soul, I heard a din. If there be 
within this room one with less right than I, sure I'll work a stay 
in his hide. By the powers, there's a head behind the case ! 
Holy mother ! teach this dag its duty. 

[Barney fires; Felango falls. 
By me skill, but Fve scored him, sure. 
Enter Leicester. 
Lei. Ho! what's this? Who fires? 
13 



194 THE QUEENS. [Act v. 

Barney. I, me Lord ; and by me firing proved me skill. Sure, 
I discovered the breaker as he was about your lordship's table, 
and from his move I knew he was thieving ; so, with small ado, 
I clouted him. 

Lei. Know you the man? Is he dead, or have you but 
winged him ? 

Barney. Who he is, my Lord, I know not, save he's as still — 
My God, me Lord, it is Signor Felango, and dead, me Lord, dead! 

Lei. [Aside.'] Thank heaven, now am I well delivered. Man, 
you have slain a fellow creature, you have spilled human blood; 
God shall require of you full answer for this foul deed. 

Barney. If there be foulness, me Lord, in defending your 
property, then I am dirty, indade ; and, if answer be axed of 
me, sure, I am ready to make it. Sure, this man hath, by his 
unholy thieving act, brought the judgment of God upon himself; 
and if he hath a sore head, it be his own fault, for honest men 
prowl not in the dark, where dags go off. 

Enter Servants tvith lights. 

Lei. There hath been a robbery here, and my man Barney 
hath, as was his good duty, defended my house, and in so doing 
the robber hath been shot. Go you, Wellson, and inform the 
proper officers that they may view the corse and take it away, 
and restore quiet to my house. Bear you the body into another 
room. [Exeunt Servants tvith Felango 's body. 

Barney, remain in the house. Did the wicked devil open any 
of the cases, or drawers ? 

Barney. No, me Lord, they be securely locked. 

Lei. You may retire now. See to it that you make little 
mouth of this affair, until you are questioned by the officers. 
Tell but_one tale, and lay to that like the skin on your heel. Mind 
you, this man was trying to break open my coffers, and in the 
dark. I have heretofore missed property, now I know this man 
was the thief. I trow the officers will find some of my gilt on 
his person even now. [Exit Barney. 

How strange the ways of God, how divinely move his plans. 
To think that this villain should be thus removed, just as I had 
done with him, and he had so many of my sweet secrets that he 
was beginning to be dangerous. Ah, well! God prospers the 



Scene iv.] THE QUEENS. 195 

deserving, and defeats the ends of wrong. With this man well 
out of the way, I may breathe easy. 

Enter Barney. 

Barney. Me Lord, a gentleman from me Lord Burghley be 
without, and would speak with you. 

Lei. Admit him. Barney, see to it that you tell but one tale 
as to the killing, and cleave to that, my man, as you would es- 
cape pesterous entanglement with the officers of the law. 

[Exit Barney. 
Enter Davison. 

Lei. What word friend Davison? Have you the seal ? 

Dav. Nay, my Lord, I may not bear it from the office, but, 
as was directed, I have affixed it. 

Lei. You have, then, her majesty's sign? How wrote she, 
bold ? or did the creeps make the sign tremble ? 

Dav. I have lost much sleep in this business, my Lord, but 
not without some return. Her majesty's sign was without sig- 
nificance, being not properly made to the warrant. To make 
this good I have, by direction of my Lord Burghley, and under 
the eye of my Lord Walsingham, made so good a copy of her 
majesty's sign, that I have no fear that the gentlemen in charge 
will delay to act, when they have this warrant which is so duly 
signed and sealed. 

Lei. Ah, signed and sealed. Now that we have moved thus 
far in this skittish business there must be no halting. 

Dav. No halting, my Lord, and less delay. Will your lord- 
ship inspect the warrant? 

Lei. This be a most cunning shift. Not only is it like her 
majesty's sign, but does her fist proud. Think you not, friend 
Davison, that you have over-tailed the " E " a bit ? And have 
you not been a little free with the blot at the end ? 

Dav. I did, my Lord, assay at this business nigh unto thirty 
attempts, some light, some heavy, and this which at last seemed 
worthy of the warrant, I did append as most like to that which 
should have more rightly graced it. 

Lei. I make no lurch at the manner, and would, were the 
business other than it is, praise your skill. Howbeit, this 
affair be so fraught with danger of discovers, that I am near to 



196 THE QUEENS. [Act v. 

losing my admiration for your good draft in the dread of 
expose. 

Dav. Not you, my Lord, so much as I, have to fear the 
dangers of expose. By this sly forgery I do fix the hour for 
another's death, with no excuse, save I do the bidding of my 
betters. I have your promise, my Lord, that if this deal do mis- 
carry, or bring displeasure from her majesty the queen, you will 
stand between me and royal anger. 

Lei. One so easily shaken should not have undertaken so 
stiff a business. If you feel within you this sick weakness, 
even before the warrant hath left your hands, how think you, 
you will hold and control your slim belly when this good paper 
shall have worked the full measure wherefor it was drawn • 

Dav. Think not, my Lord, I am weak. I do but use such 
expressions as flow from caution. 

Lei. You, nor I, nor any whose hands are in this reach, may 
now turn and plead excuse, lest we clothe ourselves with shame. 
Her majesty will privately rejoice when this deed shall be well 
over. Publicly she will rave and damn a bit, but we who bow 
to her majesty in public, and coddle her in private, know full 
well that these queenly storms do lash but for a little ; and so. 
with our knowledge of how sharp and stiff the brunt shall be. 
we may not shrink from our duties. Has my lord arranged for 
the forwarding of this goodly quit? 

Dav. He has, my Lord. If the messenger miss not his way, 
and there be no interferences, the Earl of Kent will receive the 
warrant safe. 

Lei. Go then, while this stiffness hold you to your part. 
See to it, as you value your head, that you make no word of this 
to living soul. Let not any indulgences loose your tongue, nor 
let confidence trap you into blabbing. Say to my Lord Burghley 
that I may not meet him to-night. A robbery has taken place 
in my house this hour, and my trusted agent has been detected 
and slain as the robber. 

Dav. It shall be as you wish, my Lord. I have my own 
hand too fast in this matter to now turn back. I will deliver 
your message to my Lord Burghley. T hoard of the sad killing 



Scene v.] THE QUEENS. 197 

of your agent, and do regret it, as he was a most valuable man 
to you. 

Lei. Accept my thanks for your kind sympathy. Make no 
further allusions to the distressing affair. I wish you God's 
speed in the safe delivery of this important paper. 

[Exit Davison. 

So shall end at last this checkered life. She did but have 
faint gleams of grandeur ; even these did quit her company ere 
she had basked in the light o'er much. Vain, vain, was all 
thy pride, queen. Ere the sun shall make another day's 
march, thou, crushed beauty, shall be suing at heaven's gates 
for forgiveness. Ah! this waiting hath been long, but the 
sweet satisfaction shall be sweeter for all this long delay. 

To-morrow shall see England's enemy, and my proud dis- 
dainer meet a quick and sure despatch. My prayers have not 
been in vain, and what my prayers have lacked, my wit has 
supplied. The hour of my revenge shall date when Mary died. 

[Exit. 

Scene V. Queen Elizabeth's audience chamber. Westminster 

Palace. 
Enter Burghley, Smith and Hattox. and others of the privy 

council. 

Burgh. G-entlemen. this, indeed, is a most grievous affair. 
This Italian has been long in the employ of the Earl of 
Leicester, and possessed far too much knowledge for the earl's 
good comfort. I do not accuse that the earl was privy to his 
murder, but this I do know, that violent deaths have so fre- 
quently occurred in the household of the Earl of Leicester, that 
it be but prudent now to make deep inquiry touching this affair. 
The papers that we found on the body of the Italian, and which 
he had secured, evidently from the earl's safe keeping, and to 
possess which he was prowling in the library in the dark when 
killed, are such as my Lord Leicester would not freely expose to 
all eyes. 

Hatton. These papers, my Lord, relate to agreements and 
transactions made during the lifetime of the late Duke of Nor- 



198 THE QUEENS. [Act y. 

folk; may not the earl have good excuse for a thing so long 
past? 

Burgh. What matter ; these papers clearly show the designs 
and attempts of the Earl of Leicester. If circumstances did 
prevent the maturing of his plans, it was the good fortune of the 
realm, and not the loyalty of the earl that let this thing pass 
from us. 

Smith. Is it your purpose, my Lord, to acquaint her majesty 
the queen with the drift of this affair? 

Burgh. By oath, we are compelled to lay this matter before 
her majesty. If the Earl of Leicester hath a good and proper 
excuse, it were but lawful that he should make his explanations 
to the queen her majesty. If these letters and despatches be 
read aright, the person implicated by the contents is guilty in 
the eyes of the law of treason. That they do relate to past acts 
doth not change the case a whit. 

Enter Leicester. 

Lei. My lords and gentlemen, sweet morning to you all. The 
absence of clouds from your faces, and the light of heaven 
within your eyes, bear good witness that the peace of God hath 
attended you in your slumbers. As for me, if I do bring gloom 
in my face and sadness in my voice, I can but crave your for- 
bearance, and offer as excuse, my lords and gentlemen, my sore 
affliction, and the dire calamity that overtook my agent last 
night. Did not the consolation of heaven attend me, I might 
well excuse myself from your assembly. 

Burgh. It were grace, my Lord, to hold in check your excuses; 
if you are not well supplied, the poverty of your explanations 
may confound you. 

Lei. How so, my Lord, what mean you ? 

Burgh. Turn your impatience, my Lord, to forbearance, and 
save your inquiries, that you may forge them into good answers. 
Though ready of speech and soft of word, you may find that all 
your long schooling and successful ambling will stand you in 
good need. 

Lei. You do accuse, my Lord, accuse ! I demand 

Burgh. I trust, my Lord, that all demands shall be met. 
Enter Page. 



Scene v.] THE QUEENS. 199 

Page. Her Majesty the Queen ! my lords and gentlemen, the 
Queen ! 

Enter Elizabeth. 

Lei. [To Burghley.] My Lord, no more of this matter before 
her majesty. I will further with you at a more opportune hour. 

Burgh. I have my duty to perform, my Lord, and from it I 
may not be thrown aside. 

Q. Eliz. My lords and gentlemen, I await the presenting of 
such matter as may be properly considered. If there be such as 
require action, let us despatch it at once, for I would not make 
this sitting over long. 

Burgh. Tour Majesty, as in duty bound, I would acquaint 
you with a recent discovery. It is not unknown to your Majesty 
that last night the agent of the Earl of Leicester was slain 

Q. Eliz. This be not a matter for council, my Lord; the proper 
officers may, as directed by law, attend to this unfortunate 
affair. 

Burgh. To the killing, your Majesty, yes ; but this act did 
uncover a most strange and darksome exhibit. 

Q. Eliz. How so, my Lord, how so? 

[Leicester turns to leave the room. 

Burgh. Tour Majesty, stay my lord the Earl of Leicester; 
this matter doth concern him. 

Q. Eliz. The Earl of Leicester may not retire. 

Lei. Tour Majesty, it be necessary that 

Q. Eliz. My Lord Burghley had not finished. It were more 
orderly that we do hear what communication he would make. 

Burgh. The officers, your Majesty, who took possession of 
the body of the late agent of my lord the Earl of Leicester, upon 
making search, as was proper, found concealed these papers. 
As was right, by virtue of my office, I did make careful reading 
of them, and, to my sorrowful amazement, discovered that they 
are the private papers of my lord the Earl of Leicester; and 
that they do show that the Earl of Leicester, the late Duke of 
Norfolk, the Bishop of Ross, with sundry other persons known 
to be confidential advisers of the Scottish queen, had entered 
into a solemn compact, not only to further the marriage of the 
Scottish queen to the Duke of Norfolk, but also to secure the 



200 THE QUEENS. [Act v. 

liberation and restoration of the justly confined Scot. Nor is 
this all, your Majesty, for here are letters, despatches and mes- 
sages from the King of France, Philip of Spain, and even the 
papal court. 

Lei. Tour Majesty, these papers, that my Lord Burghley 
doth so loudly proclaim, are indeed my private papers, and as 
such are not fit subjects for council discussion. 

Q. Eliz. If true, they are indeed, alas, not only fit but unfit 
for council discussion. 

Lei. Your Majesty, by your gracious leave, what appears so 
monstrous may, when reviewed in calmness, prove the stale 
results, and records of loyal attempts, in years agone, to serve 
faithfully your Majesty's best interests. The letters and des- 
patches from foreign courts are such as my agent, now dead, 
had secured surreptitiously from the Duke of Norfolk. I did 
but retain them as matters of reference, and they only came into 
the possession of my agent through my having carelessly left 
them within easy reach after I had used them during the trial of 
the Queen of Scots. 

Burgh. Granting, my Lord, that this excuse be true, and I 
pray G-od that it is, there still remains this dark and treason- 
able compact to which your signature is boldly affixed, in most 
glaring and imprudent array, with known and condemned 
enemies of her majesty the queen. 

Q. Eliz. Oh, my Lord, turn this from me ; already is my 
burden greater than I can bear. Make to me some answer that 
shall draw this cruel iron from out my soul. Thou art fickle, 
but God ! God ! make not to me the fearful accusation that 
the trusted Earl of Leicester is dishonest of heart, and prodi- 
torious to his country. 

Lei. Most gracious Majesty, you yourself, by your own fair 
hand, did sign and warrant to me carte blanche in the matter 
touching the detect of the late Duke of Norfolk. That I might 
the better encompass him, and fathom his treasonable acts, I 
did assume an interest that I might better thus gain his confi- 
dence. And to make the seeming yet more blind I did enter 
into an implied compact, of which the paper held by my Lord 
•Burghley is a copy thereof. This I may not only fully explain, 



scene v.] THE QUEENS. 201 

but, your Majesty, abundantly prove, if happily I may stay judg- 
ment and restrain envy. 

Q. Eliz. G-od grant me strength that I may take up this new 
burden. 

Burgh. That be not all, your Majesty. 
Enter Keeper. 

Keeper. Your Majesty, my Lord Walsingham tarries without, 
and would a word with you. 

Q. Eliz. Admit him. 

Enter Walsixgham. 

Wal. Most gracious Queen, I salute you as one who brings 
most welcome tidings. The shifting scenes of life's earnest 
dream have brought at last your quiet. 

Q. Eliz. Quiet, my Lord; so long, alas, have I been a stranger 
to the fullness of this sweet word, that I have need to ask your 
Lordship that you shall make a better explanation of your 
meaning. 

Wal. By grace of God, who in his mercy and sweet provi- 
dence hath vouchsafed your Majesty's eternal peace and welfare, 
I break to your Majesty the full knowledge that the burden of 
your distress hath been removed. 

Q. Eliz. Removed ? My Lord, what mean you ? 

Wal, Peace, your Majesty, peace. Thine enemy, Mary, 
Queen of Scotland, is dead. Executed this morning, as was 
just. 

Q. Eliz. Dead! no! no! my Lord, no! not dead! Make to me 
no lies. Take back these awful words — not dead! Mary dead ? 
My God, my God ! Who hath done this cruel deed ? Who hath 
wrongfully sealed the warrant ? My Lord [to Leicester], this be 
a devilish trick of yours. By your glib, oily words you did blind 
me to sign, and then, with low fubbcry and damned mockery, 
you did make to me a promise that it should be withheld. Liar ! 
Villain ! Murderer ! Get you hence, accursed of men. You 
have put upon my soul this blighting blotch of blood. Go ! your 
face sickens my very soul. Go ! and on your knees pray God's 
forgiveness — mine shall eternally be withheld. Murderer ! Liar \ 
My God ! Mary dead ! dead ! and by my warrant. Farewell 
peace, farewell ! No more shall quiet rest within my soul. Fare- 



202 THE QUEENS. [Act v. 

well innocence ; farewell joys of earth. I am now undone. Out, 
murderers ; out all of you ; remind me no longer of my compan- 
ionship in your foul crime. Out ! Out ! and let me not watch 
your going, for your very footsteps have in them the marks of 
blood. [Exeunt Burghley, Smith, Walsingham, Hatton and 
Leicester.] [Enter Lady Kxollts.] Leave me ! leave me ! At 
this hour let me intercede with God alone. I would have no 
human eyes witness this my weakness. Leave me alone ; leave 
me. [Exit Lady Knollys.] Oh ! my God ! dead ! Mary dead! 
My own blood spilled upon the block. Dead ! Awake, asleep, 
her poor body shall stalk before me — her bleeding, torn body. 
0, I cannot shut out this foul murder ! God blind my soul, dull 
my eyes. Oh, God ! Have I consented to this murder ? Ha, ha. 
"See, all is red, red blood ! Everything is blood. 0, tear away 
these draperies; they have blood on them ; my clothes, my robes, 
even my hands are drenched in blood. God ! shall I live through 
this ? Life, 0, what will life be when all sense of peace and in- 
nocence be gone? Farewell, farewell, joys of earth. I am a 
queen, but my heart is dead. 0, Jesu, pray for me ! 0, Holy 
Mother, pray for me ! 

Enter Leicestee. 

Lei. Your Majesty, may I not offer 

Q. Eliz. No ! no ! back ! Let me not see your awful face; you 
do make all about me blood. Offer me nothing but your absence. 
You are all murderers, damned, cruel murderers. Out, I say, 
out. Let not your accursed face add to my misery. Out, dog ! 
out! My God! I, too, am a murderer. [Exit Leicester.] Why, 
there is blood here — there — why, it is blood running down 
everywhere. My hands, my face, these tears are bloody. I walk 
in blood. My God ! My God ! I am accursed of thee. [Falls. 



END. 



GLOSSARY. 



8... SCOTCH; 0. E., OLD ENGLISH. 



A tuck, 0. E., tucked in bed. 
Acknown, S., acknowledged. 
Albins, S., perhaps. 
Amaist, S., almost. 
Awsome, S., frightful, terrible. 
Ae', S., one. 
An', S., and. 
Aboon, S., above. 

Becomes, 0. E., fine clothes. 

Bashy, 0. E., fat, swollen. 

Ban, S., bone. 

Bishops, 0. E., bustles. 

Bat-fowling, 0. E., catching birds at 

night ; any sly, after-dark work. 
Breed-bate, 0. E., breeder of quarrels. 
Beit, S., to help. 
Barns, S., babes. 
Brands. S., legs. 
Busk, S., dress or gown. 
Brats, S., rags. 
Blether, S. ; foolish talk. 
Blaw, S., blow. 
Bars, S. and 0. E., lacings worn by 

ladies in the front of the dress. 
Billy, S., brother. 
Braw, S , fine in dress. 
Bauld, S., bold. 
Baith, S., both. 
Blin, S., never. 
Buff, S., nonsense. 
Bush, 0. E., an inn or ale-house. 
Bedswerver, 0. E., an adultress. 
Balder, 0. E., coarse, rough words. 

Clinty, S., hard, dif&cult. 

Chat-tow, S., chat, gallows; tow, rope, 

gallows-rope. 
Cob, 0. E., a rich person. 
Culzie, S., to quiz, to pump. 
Clurs, S., swelling from a blow. 
Canty, S., cheerful and merry. 



'Currents, 0. E., occurrents. 

Claver, S., to talk silly. 

Cosie, S., warm, sheltered place. 

Ca', S., call. 

Chucky, S., a hen. 

Clepe, 0. E., to call or name. 

Dag, 0. E., a pistol. 
Dight, S., to clean or cleanse. 
Dirle, S., a smarting pain. 
Dree, S., suffer, to suffer. 
Dunt, S. , a stroke or blow. 

Ear, 0. E., to dig up or plow. 
Expiate, S., explantion. 
Eard, S., the earth. 

Farthingale, 0. E., a hooped skirt or 

petticoat. 
Flirt-gill, 0. E., a wanton, loose girl, 

a common. 
Falsing, 0. E., deceptive. 
Fail, S., many, great number. 
Fause, false. 
Fosy, S., soft, 
Forleet, S. forget. 
Forbears, 0. E., forefathers. 
Fother, S., fodder, food. 
Forleeting, S., forgetting. 
Forfairn, S., abused, bespattered. 
Fou', S., full. 
Flewitt, S., a hard blow with the 

hand. 
Frae, S., from. 
Fawn, S., fallen. 

Geed, S., went. 

Gesse, S., guess, to guess. 

Gambit, 0. E., opening, beginning. 

Gan, S., gone. 

Groff, S., course. 

'Gree, S., agree. 



203 



204 



GLOSSARY. 



Gin, S., if. 

Gilt, 0. E., gold. 

Gurly, S., rough, cold (weather). 

Gowling, S., howling, crying. 

Greet, S., weep. 

Gar, S., to make, to force, to cause. 

Gossie, S., gossip. 

Guid, S., good. 

Hempy, S., a rogue born to be hung. 
Havins, S., breeding, good bringing 

up. 
Het, S., hot, 
He'ven, S., heaven. 
Hooly, S., slow. 
Ho's, S., single stocking. 
Earns, S., brains. 
Haly, S., holy. 
Haviour, 0. E., behavior. 
Haffet, S., cheek, side of the face. 
Hae, S., have. 
Hald, S., hold. 
Hack, S. and 0. E., common. 



In, 0. E., thieves' slang; to get a per- 
son in another's power. 
Ingliss, S., English. 
Impeach, 0. E., hinder, to stop. 

Jo, S., sweet-heart. 

Knacky, S., witty, funny. 

Knoost, S., a large lump from a blow. 

Keek, S., to peep, to piy into. 

Laits, S., manners. 

Lane, S., alone. 

Lugs, S., ears. 

Link-men, 0. E., men with lights. 

LaithfuF, S., loathful. 

Leal, S., true, faithful. 

Low, S., law. 

Lud, S., lad. 

Looe, S., love. 

Lure, S., rather. 

Lown, S., calm, to keep calm. 

Lounder, S., a smart stroke with the 

fist. 
Liggs, S., lies, falsehoods. 

Mowsing, S., jesting, joking. 
Mou', S., mouth. 

Ifools, S., earth over a grave, a grave. 
Mends, S., satisfaction, revenge. 

Nist, S., next. 

Nevel, S., a sound blow with the fist. 

Nive, B., the ftst. 

N;h', S.,not. 
Norsed, S., nursed. 



Naught, 0. E., bad, naughty. 

Out, 0. E., thieves' slang; toputaper- 

son out of the way, to kill. 
Orp, S., to weep with sobs. 
Owk, S., a week. 

Pu'ed, S., pulled. 

Prets, S., tricks. 

Pit, S., put. 

Parish-lantern, 0. E., popular name 

for the moon. 
Puggy, 0. E., nasty, thick, big-headed. 

Pap, 0. E., to trade, to exchange. 
Rackless, S., reckless. 
Rift, S., to belch, the breath. 
Eaught, S., sought, 
Runyon, 0. E., a term of contempt ap- 
plied to a strong masculine woman. 
Ri't, S., right, 

Stroot, S., stuffed full, drunk. 

Scuds, S., small ale. 

Seid, S., cunning, foxy. 

Sair, S., sore. 

Slabber, 0. E., to drivel, to slobber. 

Steek, S., to shut tight, to close, to 

stop. 
Sliderv, S., slippery. 
Swatcn, S., a mark, a scratch. 
Stang, S., a smart pain soon over. 
Sae, S., so. 

Sib, S., akin, a relative. 
Sunkets, S., something. 
Speer, S., to ask, to beg. 
Swelt, S., to choke. 
Sin, S., sun. 

Spclder, S., to stretch, to spread out. 
Sta', S., a stall or booth. 
Sta'k, S., stock. 
Speel, S., to climb. 
Spanging, S., to jump, leaping. 
Sain'd, S., sainted. 
Sell, S., self. 
Sic, S., such. 
Sma', S., small. 
Skyt, S., to move quickly. 
Sturtsomc, S., trouble, disturbance. 
Spae, S., to guess, to foretell. 
Steut, S., to stretch, to strain. 

Taz, S., scourge, hard task. 
Tensome, S., dv tens. 
Taikens, 8., tokens. 
Toom, S., empty. 
Twa, S., two. 
Throne. B., throne. 
Taps, S., heads. 
Thig, S.,beg. 



GLOSSARY 



205 



Tauld, S., told. 

Toolr, S., to fight, a fight 

Thir, S., these. 

Tarre. 0. E., to urge, to set on. 

Taller, 0. E., braver, better. 

Unco, S., strange. 
Ungeared, 0. E., undressed. 

Wyte, S., blame. 

Weers, S., to oppose, to stop. 

Whilk, S., which. 

Wha, S., who. 

Wow, 0. E., wonderful, strange 

War, S., worse. 



Wad, S., would. 
Wud, S., mad. 
Wi', S., with. 
Weel, S., well. 
Wangrace, S., wickedness. 
Wat, S., wisdom. 
Woody, S., gallows. 
Wyson, S., throat. 

Yeding, S., contending, quarreling. 
Yellowness, 0. E., jealousy. 
Youdith, S., Touthfulness. 
Ye, S., you, or your. 
Yuke, S.. the itch. 



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